NewsRadio 1020 KDKA Editorial: The State Budget and Schools

Pennsylvania's fiscal year started July first – with no budget.

Since then - the state has collected 6-point-7 BILLION dollars in taxes –

But not a dime has gone to Pennsylvania's school districts.

That means a lot of districts are in deep trouble.

Auditor General Eugene DePasquale is tracking the numbers.

So far - seventeen districts and two intermediate units –

Have borrowed a combined 346-million dollars –

Just to open their schools this fall.

Interest and fees could top 11-million dollars.

Another twenty-eight districts may need loans this month.

These are school districts that were barely scraping by.

This additional expense will only create more financial hardships.

The state also stopped funding groups that provide social services –

It's time our leaders stop bickering –

And pass a stop-gap measure to fund schools –

And human services organizations.

"Politics" is no excuse to shirk moral responsibility –

And fail to provide for our children – and those who most need help.

That has to stop –

And it has to stop right now.