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The Governor’s Executive Budget 2014—2015 Proposal PSBA Overview. Welcome and Introductions. The Government Affairs Team is here to serve you! Functions: Advance or halt public policy initiatives Guided by our legislative platform and direct membership input
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The Governor’s Executive Budget2014—2015 ProposalPSBA Overview
Welcome and Introductions • The Government Affairs Team is here to serve you! • Functions: • Advance or halt public policy initiatives • Guided by our legislative platform and direct membership input • Keep members informed of governmental activities • Email alerts, legislative reports, Daily Edition, county meetings • Government Affairs Team: • John Callahan, Senior Director of Government Affairs • Ashley White, Government Affairs Director • Sean Fields, Deputy Counsel of Government Affairs • Cindy Eckerd, Legislative Information Director
Ready To Learn Block Grant • $240 million in new Ready to Learn funding targeted at: • Ready by 3rd grade – program to ensure every student in PA is performing to grade level in both reading and math • STEM Education – support STEM-related academic programs • Supplemental Instruction – support to provide customized instruction
Ready To Learn Block Grant • Who is eligible: • School districts and charter schools • The data sheet that reveals how much each district will receive can be found by clicking: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/http;/www.portal.state.pa.us;80/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_123706_1394309_0_0_18/EdBudget%202014-15%20Proposed%20ReadyToLearnBlockGrant%20Feb2014.xlsx
The Numbers Hybrid Learning Grants: Schools that blend traditional and digital learning will be eligible for these grants
PlanCon • Remains level-funded at $296 million for the 4th consecutive year. • 354 school projects have not yet reached Part H: • Over 160 of those are approved through Part G and now waiting to be approved for reimbursement at Part H • In its May 2013 report, PDE estimated that PlanCon funding would need to remain at $296 million for three years before projects waiting at Part G could begin to be funded. • The moratorium on new projects, begun October 2011, has been extended until June 30, 2014 (Act 82 of 2012).
Pension Changes • $225 million one-time transfer from the Tobacco Settlement Fund and the Health Venture Investment Account to cover part of employer contribution. • $62.7 million payment from the elimination of the charter school double payment state portion. • Reset Pension Collars: reduced to 2.25 percent and then increased by 0.5 percent per year until the collars reach 4.5 percent or the annual contribution. • Saves the Commonwealth $170 million • Saves School Districts $131 million • Long term costs of reset - ?
Thank you! • Please make sure you are signed-up and receiving our Legislative Bulletin and Action Alerts. • Our Budget Web Page will be updated frequently with information.
Acting Secretary of Education Carolyn Dumaresq will be at the PSBA Conference Center on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2:30 p.m. to present a special state budget overview. • Go to www.PSBA.org to register.
How You Can Help • Remain well-read on legislative issues. • Review and discuss our legislative reports with your board at its public meetings. • Distribute to your local board our legislative leave-behinds and other advocacy materials located on PSBA’s website. • Develop and maintain relationships with legislators • Encourage your local board’s adoption of advocacy resolutions. • Take action on PSBA’s legislative alerts by calling and e-mailing your legislators in concert with our messages.
The Governor’s Executive Budget2014—2015 ProposalPSBA Overview