State Legislative Update: HB 704

from the inbox on HB 704:

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives took a major step today towards fixing the state systems for special education funding and accountability. The House passed House Bill 704, providing Pennsylvania with a comprehensive funding formula for special education for the first time in years. The bill also strengthens the accountability system so that school districts will effectively invest state resources in special education programs and improve academic outcomes for students with disabilities.

HB 704 has 66 bi-partisan cosponsors, led by Representative Michael Sturla from Lancaster . The House approved the bill by a vote of 173 to 25.

“Children with disabilities and all children throughout the Commonwealth will benefit from the passage of House Bill 704,” said Baruch Kintisch, Director of Policy Advocacy for the Education Law Center . “We encourage the Senate to act quickly to join the House in approving the bill in order to meet the pressing needs of children, teachers, and schools.”

Read more: http://www.elc-pa.org/704Release.html