Today activists from across the state traveled to Harrisburg to rally for education funding. The event, organized by the state NAACP and Keystone Progress, brought together public education advocates working to restore funding for K-12 and higher education in Pennsylvania. APSCUF was there, fighting the disastrous 50-percent cut under Gov. Tom Corbett’s budget proposal. In our discussions with lawmakers, APSCUF has received assurances of support for the State System during the upcoming budget negotiations. In particular, we’ve heard good things from state Sen. Jake Corman, the Senate Appropriations chairman who represents the State College area, and state Rep. Bill Adolph, the House Appropriations chairman who represents Delaware County. Today we heard from state Sens. Vincent Hughes and Daylin Leach, as well as state Reps. Ronald Waters, James Roebuck, Cherelle Parker and Jewell Williams.
However, events like today’s rally are essential for keeping up the pressure on all of our state representatives and senators. They need to see their constituents out in force calling for the restoration of education dollars, including funding for the State System.
Here are just a few of the other speakers from today’s event:
- Jessica Reed, Ann Frazer and Christopher Carter, student leaders at Cheyney University;
- Sean Kitchen, student leader at Kutztown University;
- Ryan Barrick and Rizzo Mertz, student leaders at Millersville University;
- Dr. Kevin Mahoney, English professor, Kutztown University;
- Dr. Paul Quinn, physics professor and APSCUF-KU president; and
- Jim Testerman, PSEA.
A large contingent of students and faculty from Cheyney University and Kutztown University attended today’s rally for public education. For those who couldn’t make it, video will be available on the APSCUF YouTube channel.
There is still more to come, with events in the next few weeks in Harrisburg and on a campus near you. Tomorrow state Sen. Andy Dinniman will join with APSCUF-WCU members, West Chester students and other supporters of public education to rally at 7 p.m. at the Chester County courthouse. And mark your calendars for a CLEAR Coalition lobbying day and rally for a responsible budget on May 3 in Harrisburg.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS9nAADBdCI]