Gov. Tom Corbett’s Proposed Budget and Its Impact on Lower Moreland

The following article was written by Nate Murawsky, member of the Lower Moreland School board. This press release appears in the first LM Democratic Committee Newsletter:

Recently, Governor Corbett announced his budget which, as expected, included massive cuts in public funding for education.  While many rightly understand that these cuts, if implemented, will have an enormous impact on urban areas such as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, many perhaps do not fully comprehend the affect it will have in areas such as ours in Lower Moreland.

The loss of funding could be in excess of $310,000.00 to Lower Moreland.  That’s $310,000.00 that could be used to purchase new books or technology for our students, or used to maintain our programs in art, music, athletic programs and the like.  Additionally, if the Governor had his choice and eliminated Act 1 exceptions under Pennsylvania law, that loss of funding could soar to $600,000.00.  For a small district such as ours, the loss of this funding could lead to some very unpopular cuts.

Governor Corbett claims that he isn’t raising taxes with the budget; but the reality of the situation is that the Governor puts the burden directly on the local school districts.  And how does Lower Moreland School District make up this potential shortfall?  By (1) either cutting those programs that make Lower Moreland one of the top school districts in Pennsylvania, or (2) raising your property taxes to pay for it. 

In a country where we are increasingly seeking leadership in tough economic times, Governor Corbett is merely passing the buck to local school boards.  The Governor campaigned on being the one to make the tough choices to balance the budget, but instead proposes a budget that calls on local school boards, and you – the taxpayer – to be the one to make those tough choices for him. 

Of course, the great irony is that we as a community have only two options under this proposed budget; pay higher property taxes or cut programs.  The Governor, on the other hand, had the entire spectrum of government to review but chose the education of our children as the first thing on the chopping block.  In a recent Daily News/Franklin & Marshall College Poll, 78 percent of Pennsylvanians surveyed oppose that reduction of state funding to local school districts, and almost two in three Pennsylvanians favor taxing companies that extract and sell natural gas, and placing new taxes on the sale of smokeless tobacco and cigars.  Yet this overwhelming public outcry is falling on deaf ears in the Governor’s office.

Notwithstanding the impact of the Governor’s budget, Lower Moreland School District is in better financial condition than many districts.  The exceptional work done by our Superintendent, Dr. Marykay Feeley, our business manager Mark McGuinn, the entire administration and the teachers is a major factor in our ability to handle this budget shortfall.  Along with the School Board, they have found ways to cut expenses while maintaining if not improving the quality of education.  Moreover, the School Board has worked together with the District toward the sole purpose of doing what is in the best interests of our community and our children regardless of party politics.   Perhaps this is best reflected in both local parties jointly endorsing a number of candidates for this year’s school board elections. 

So Governor Corbett made the politically savvy move of saying he didn’t raise your taxes.  But when the School Board is faced with decisions to make regarding the budget and potentially has to raise property taxes to maintain the quality of education, understand it wasn’t a choice the School Board asked to make.  Education didn’t have to be the place to cut, and the issue is one of priorities – but Governor Corbett’s budget clearly put the priorities of oil and natural gas companies ahead or your children’s education.