READING, Pa. – From his office in the Reading School District administration building, to Harrisburg as the former state education secretary, Superintendent Khalid Mumin says getting a state budget passed isn’t easy.
“When you are not in Harrisburg, you don’t get to understand the nuance and the constant collaboration between the cabinet level administrators, between the legislators,” said Superintendent Mumin.
There is money in this budget to help the district continue infrastructure improvements.
“In this current budget, there are increases in those facility improvements and we’re talking close to $125 million dollars,” Mumin explained.
State lawmakers that serve Berks County are also reacting.
Republican State Senator Tracy Pennycuick touted $3 billion dollars in savings and added: “We voted to increase funding for our kids’ schools while improving accountability by requiring them to adopt evidence-based reading instruction.”
Democrat State Senator Judy Schwank addressed a tax credit she supported, saying in part: “This tax credit puts money back in the pockets of the people who need it most. Whether it’s groceries, childcare, after-school programs, or rent, this support gives working Pennsylvanians the flexibility and breathing room they need to thrive.”
Meanwhile, schools are awaiting the release of funds.
“We received some information this morning looking in our financial systems that the state is prepared to release percentages of funding as early as next week for us,” added Mumin.