Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

Legislative Memo: Opposition to SB1

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June 14, 2021

To: Members of the General Assembly

From: Jerry Jordan

Re: OPPOSITION TO SB1

The PFT remains in absolute opposition to SB1.

In a flurry of legislative activity, legislators in both the House and Senate have introduced a number of bills that would greatly harm public education.

TAKE ACTION TODAY: CLICK HERE TO SEND A LETTER

The language for SB1, which would expand charters AND vouchers (EITC) exponentially, was only released on Friday 6/4--but it's scheduled for a committee vote on Monday 6/7. The same goes for SB733, which would expand another form of vouchers (ESAs/EOAs) exponentially. In the House, HB1541 (EITC expansion) has been introduced. All of these bills would be devastating to public education.

Other

URGENT PFT Legislative Memo: Voucher & Charter Expansion

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June 4, 2021

To: Members of the General Assembly

From: Jerry Jordan

Re: Updated Legislative Positions

PFT Issues Report on School Facilities: Scope and Solutions

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT HERE.

5-10-21

PHILADELPHIA—The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers today issued a report outlining an updated scope of the facilities crisis along with urgently needed solutions.

The toxic schools crisis in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth is emblematic of just how profoundly the deep seated, systemically racist underfunding of our schools has impacted our students.

Our young people, the majority of whom are Black and brown and experiencing poverty, have had to endure conditions that would never, ever be tolerated in wealthier, whiter school districts.

Conditions

PFT Primary 2021 Updates

Check pftvotes.org for our endorsement of Larry Krasner for DA as well as additional updates on judicial races and ballot questions.

PFT Members Testify at City Council Hearing on American Rescue Plan

PFT Building Representatives Ethel Peterson-Johnson (Bregy), Charlotte McCracken (Bache Martin), Sharahn Santana (Parkway NW), Anna Phelan (OEC), and Political Liaison Kate Sundeen (Palumbo) testified at April 28th's Council hearing on the American Rescue Plan. They focused on priorities for allocating rescue plan funding, emphasizing facilities invesetments, mental health support, and investing in resources and supplies.

Their testimony was powerful and led to important conversation with Committee Chair Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez.

Read their powerful testimony below:

Ethel Peterson