On June 10, 2024, Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) released a statement criticizing the House Democrats’ proposed legislation on basic education funding.
“The House Democrats’ basic education funding plan does nothing but double down on a failing education system that represents the inability of state and local leaders to prioritize outcomes-based learning and bring the needed transformational change to deliver on classroom success, which would truly provide for a student-first and family-focused system of education,” said Cutler.
Cutler argued that the legislation imposes a significant financial burden on taxpayers without offering accountability or meaningful measures of success. He noted that despite increased funding over the years, test scores have declined, and students remain unprepared for further education or careers.
“While putting a massive burden on taxpayers, this legislation provides no accountability and no meaningful measures of success in a system that has taken increased funding year after year but continually produced declining test scores and students unprepared to further their education or begin careers,” he stated.
He also expressed concern about the impact on cyber charter schools in Pennsylvania. “On top of that, this proposal takes aim at Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools to a degree that it would likely eliminate a meaningful school choice option that has proven successful for many Pennsylvania students and families, particularly those facing difficult situations or that need flexibility to find success,” Cutler added.
Despite supporting increases in basic education funding in past budget cycles, Cutler emphasized the need for transformative changes in the education system. “House Republicans have stood behind increasing basic education funding in every budget cycle. However, while this proposal may pass the House today, we all know the hard work of making the transformative change in education still awaits us. When that time comes House Republicans will continue our work in bringing true equity, accountability and meaningful achievement to all Pennsylvania schools and – most importantly – our students.”
Rep. Bryan Cutler
Republican Leader
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
