(File Photo: Source for Photo: The proposed state budget boosts opportunities for students by adding $5.5 million to expand Career and Technical Education in schools. Credit for Photo: (Adobe Stock) – Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service, Caption for Photo: A group of students building and programming electric toys and robots at robotics classroom – Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvanians will rally in Harrisburg on Tuesday urging lawmakers to boost public school funding. Over 1-point-7 million students are enrolled in Pennsylvania schools. Susan Spicka with Education Voters of Pennsylvania says her group is among those backing Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal. It would mean more than 500 million dollars for underfunded schools, 75 million for basic education and 40 million for special education. She adds every student deserves a well-funded education and warns that cuts could leave some school districts behind. Spicka says they’re also urging lawmakers to set a timeline to meet constitutional school funding requirements and to reject private school vouchers. Her group, along with the “P-A Schools Work” coalition, is leading the rally with support from parents and community groups. The state House and Senate must pass the budget by June 30th.