The House Education Committee passed out a bill that updates Pennsylvania’s basic education fund. The bill calls for $5 billion in adequacy funding over the next five years. This is the Democrat party’s response to a court case that ruled Pennsylvania’s education system is unconstitutional in 2023.

The 87 page bill puts into writing the results of a legislative report released in January, which said all students should have $13,000 in funding

There is also significant reform to charter school funding in the bill.

The new adequacy funding is one of the top priorities of Pennsylvania Democrats this budget year. Republicans remain committed to school vouchers- with the senate sending over a bill last month.

House bill 2370 is expected to run on the House floor next week, before being sent to the senate.

Minority Chair of Education Jesse Topper noted in committee that the bill will see significant negotiations, as republicans have opposed most charter school reforms and details around the adequacy formula.