Pennsylvania Republicans question $494 million school funding boost

Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania are questioning a proposed $494 million funding boost for underfunded school districts. This funding aims to address an "adequacy gap" identified in a 2023 court ruling that deemed current education spending inequitable. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman expressed concerns about the fairness of distributing funds to 348 out of 500 districts. He noted that Republicans did not support the adequacy funding formula, which determines how much funding districts need based on various factors. Governor Josh Shapiro's budget also includes smaller increases for basic and special education. Some lawmakers worry that many districts may receive insufficient funding despite rising costs, potentially leading to further legal challenges.