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Senator Argall

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Toll Free: 1-877-327-4255

Harrisburg Office
Senate Box 203029
171 Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3029
717-787-2637
717-783-8657 FAX

Email: dargall@pasen.gov

District Offices
 

One West Centre Street
P.O. Box 150
Mahanoy City, PA 17948
570-773-0891
570-773-1675 FAX

61 North Third Street
Hamburg, PA 19526-1501
610-562-3411
610-562-6895 FAX
(Shared with Representative
Jerry Knowles)

100 North Centre Street
Pottsville, PA 17901
570-621-3400
570-622-6629 FAX
(Shared with Representative Mike Tobash)

Spring Township
2850 Windmill Road
Spring Township, PA 19608
1-877-327-4255

237 West Broad Street
Tamaqua, PA 18252
570-668-1240
570-952-3374 FAX
(Shared with Representative
Jerry Knowles)

Follow Sen. Argall on Twitter for Senate happenings – @SenatorArgall  

In this Email Update:

  • Education rankings: Is funding the key issue?
  • Budget impasse continues
  • Sinking Spring and Spring Township businesses and community service organizations featured in latest Argall Report
  • PHEAA’s MySmartBorrowing planning tool
  • Athletic Trainer Initiative Contest

Education rankings: Is funding the key issue? 

24/7 Wall St. conducted an analysis of each state’s level of higher education in order to determine the country’s most and least educated states. 

Using educational attainment data from the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as examining the median household income of each state, 24/7 Wall St. found that Massachusetts had the highest percentage of adults (41.2%) who attained at least a bachelor’s degree, while West Virginia had the lowest percentage. 

Pennsylvania ranked 24th among its counterparts in the analysis, with 29% of adults who obtained at least a bachelor’s degree.  Pennsylvania has the 22nd highest median income of $53,234. While these results placed Pennsylvania at an average level with other states, what is most interesting is the fact that the state spent much more money on its public schools than most states.  In 2013, Pennsylvania spent approximately $13,900 per pupil which is more than all but eight other states. 

This study is very interesting given the current situation the state is facing with the budget impasse – with one key element being education funding for our schools. 

With Pennsylvania’s students still lagging behind in scholastic performance and educational attainment despite the fact that we invest more money in our public schools than in other states, the results of this study encourage us to ask the question: when examining determinants of academic achievement in our public schools, has Pennsylvania placed too much emphasis on funding, rather than looking at a broader spectrum of factors?

Read more about the study here

Some other interesting facts about Pennsylvania’s school staffing levels are below: 

  • The state ranks 6th in total number of teachers and 7th in total number of instruction staff.
  • 14:6 is the average student-to-teacher ratio in the state (15:9 is the average of student-to-teacher ratio in the nation).
  • The state ranks 10th in the average teacher salary of $62,994.

Budget impasse continues

Since July 1, Pennsylvania’s vital programs and services have been without state funding. As we continue into the 121st day of the budget impasse, organizations that provide human services to our most vulnerable citizens are faced with the reality that they may no longer be able to carry out their core functions.  Some of the state’s pre-K programs are also at risk for closing due to the stalemate – or rather the governor’s inability to see the negative implications of his budget vetoes.

Without a state budget in place, jobs remain in jeopardy, citizens in need go without, and the future of our children remains in limbo.

Yesterday, the Senate failed to gain enough votes to override the governor’s September 29 veto of the emergency funding package which would have released more than $11 billion in funding for the state’s vital human services programs and our schools.

It is also important to note that as we continue to operate without a budget, our state’s financial coffers grow smaller while our pension debt grows larger – an issue that is perfectly depicted in PennLive’s editorial cartoon by Tim Hartman below:

Watch

Sinking Spring and Spring Township businesses and community service organizations featured in latest Argall Report

My latest edition of the Argall Report features businesses and community service organizations in Sinking Spring and Spring Township that have contributed to the growth of the region.

During this television show, viewers can receive a tour of Alcon Research, Ltd., a company that provides innovative eye care and treatment to citizens worldwide and is also a leading employer in the area.  Viewers can also learn more about the Spring Township YMCA, which provides local residents with many different fitness and exercise programs and activities.

The report also features a look into my new district office in Spring Township.

To watch the latest edition of the Argall Report, click here.


PHEAA’s MySmartBorrowing planning tool 

PHEAA’s MySmartBorrowing planning tool is designed to help citizens responsibly manage their student loans and practice smart borrowing habits.  By using this tool, individuals can calculate their student loan debt based on factors such as cost of living expenses and the starting salary of their selected career.

PHEAA provides student financial aid services for individuals seeking to attain a postsecondary education.

For more information about this planning tool and ways to effectively handle student loans, please click here.


Athletic Trainer Initiative Contest 

The Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society is encouraging high school administrators, teachers, coaches and administrative directors throughout the state to enter the Athletic Trainer Initiative Contest started by the NFL Foundation, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Gatorade. 

This contest was created in an effort to promote the importance of athletic training services in high schools and the value of athletic trainers in providing athletes and students with quality care and safety measures during sporting activities.

Fifteen high schools nationwide will be selected to receive $50,000 in funding to be used toward the creation or expansion of an athletic training program in their school. 

For more information about the contest and how to apply, please click here.

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