West Central PA News

State Representative Jim Struzzi announced that his House Bill 27, initially designed as a temporary measure to address the substitute teacher shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now become a crucial part of the 2023-24 state budget. The bill's language, now incorporated into the Education Code (Act 33 of 2023) portion of the budget, aims to provide flexibility to Pennsylvania's public schools in addressing this ongoing challenge.

Under the provisions of House Bill 27, school districts will now have the ability to hire annuitants, prospective teachers, graduates of educator preparation programs, and classroom monitors as substitute teachers. Representative Struzzi emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for individuals with temporary teaching certificates and substitute teaching permits, stating, "These measures were initiated out of necessity during the pandemic, and still serve as viable solutions to a problem we cannot ignore."

Act 33 of the 2023-24 state budget also includes funding for libraries and career and technical schools, which had been delayed for the first few months of the fiscal year. Additionally, the legislation addresses school safety and students' mental health, two issues of particular concern to Representative Struzzi, who recently joined Pennsylvania's inaugural Behavioral Health Council. He expressed his support for the allocation of funds towards creating a safe and conducive learning environment, stating, "A school environment that is safe and conducive to learning is a key component of the education process, which is why I feel this is money well spent."

Representative Struzzi also acknowledged the efforts of Senator Joe Pittman and his colleagues in ensuring a significant increase in funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. He highlighted the importance of these tax credits in providing students in failing districts with an opportunity to access a quality education and escape from challenging circumstances.

As the legislation becomes law, Representative Struzzi encourages constituents to direct any questions or concerns to his Indiana district office. He can be reached at 724-465-0220.

For media inquiries, please contact Scott Little at 717.260.6137 (office) or 717.497.5937 (cell), or via email at Slittle@pahousegop.com. More information can also be found on Representative Struzzi's website at RepStruzzi.com or on Facebook at Facebook.com/RepStruzzi.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.repstruzzi.com/News/33291/Latest-News/Struzzi-Education-Legislation-Becomes-Key-Component-of-2023-24-State-Budget