Efforts for Charter and Cyber Charter School Reform: Protecting Taxpayers and Creating Fairness Across All Public Schools
As your state senator, one of my ongoing priorities has been ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively within our public education system. I’ve spent years working to advance common-sense reforms to the way Pennsylvania funds charter and cyber charter schools—because while school choice is important, so are fairness and fiscal responsibility.
In 2022, I was honored to receive the Champion of Education Award from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association for my leadership and commitment to turning this issue into real, actionable legislation. That recognition reflects my longstanding efforts to bring greater balance and sustainability to a funding system that needs to be rightsized.
We’ve made meaningful progress:
- Cyber Charter Reimbursement – A key element of the 2023–24 state budget included $100 million in cyber charter reimbursements for school districts to help offset rising costs.
- Special Education Formula Reform – Beginning January 1 of this year, we implemented a formula change that is expected to reduce cyber charter special education costs by approximately $190 million annually.
These changes are already helping nearly every school district in Pennsylvania by reducing the financial burden placed on them when a student with special education needs leaves for a charter or cyber charter school.
- Ethics and Transparency Standards – We strengthened ethics rules by requiring cyber charter administrators and trustees to file financial disclosure statements and abide by stricter conflict of interest standards.
- Ending Misleading Advertising – We also prohibited the misleading use of the term “free” in cyber charter advertisements and now require detailed reporting of advertising and sponsorship expenditures.
In addition to these reforms, I’ve authored legislation that directs the same principles of the special education funding formula currently used for school districts to all local education agencies, including charter and cyber charter schools. This approach promotes equity and predictability in special education funding for all schools.
These are important steps forward—but the work isn’t done. I remain committed and I support school choice, but it must be paired with fairness and fiscal responsibility. I’ll continue to lead on this issue in Harrisburg, and I look forward to working with educators, families, and fellow lawmakers to keep moving in the right direction.
Stay tuned—there’s more to come.
March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated.
March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States.
Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
Welcome home!
Scenes from the 40th District
This week’s photo winner comes courtesy of Victor of East Stroudsburg, who took this gorgeous photo of a sunrise in Smithfield Township. Victor’s photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery.
Interested in showcasing your photography skills?
I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County.
Click here to submit your work and learn more.
Congratulations to Our “There Ought to Be a Law” Contest Winners!
Please join me in congratulating the winners of the 40th District’s “There Ought to be a Law” student contest: Rosalie Mattos, Mallory Eberz, and Ben Head!
This annual contest encourages students to engage with the legislative process by sharing their own creative ideas for potential new laws. It’s a great opportunity for young voices to be heard—and for lawmakers to hear fresh perspectives on issues that matter.
These outstanding 9th-grade students tackled thoughtful topics in their essays, including:
- Allowing independent voters to participate in primary elections
- Eliminating the separate license requirement for trout fishing
Their work reflects a strong understanding of both civic responsibility and the real-world impact of public policy. I’m so proud of their engagement and ideas—and I’m confident we’ll be hearing more from these future leaders in the years ahead!
Keep up the great work, Rosalie, Mallory, and Ben!
April Hearings Set on Proposed UGI Gas Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold five in-person and telephone hearings in early April to gather public input on proposed rate changes by UGI Gas.
The commission voted in February to investigate UGI’s proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 73.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $104.47 to $115.74 per month (10.8%).
The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has more information on the proposed increase here. The PUC lists dates, times and locations of the public hearings and information on how to provide input here. If you can’t take part in a hearing but want to comment, you can find the form to submit a comment here.
Record-Breaking St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Stroudsburg!
What a fantastic day in Stroudsburg for the Pocono – American Irish Club (PAIC) St. Patrick’s Day Parade—and this year was one for the record books! I’m told it may have even outpaced Scranton’s, with over 132 participants taking part in the celebration. The streets were filled with energy, excitement, and community pride.
Walking in the parade was a heartwarming experience, with a record number of families, friends, and visitors lining the route, enjoying the festivities and cheering everyone on. I was especially honored to walk alongside our U.S. Marines and the Toys for Tots program, whose service and generosity continue to inspire.
A heartfelt thank-you goes to the PAIC and all of their dedicated volunteers, who not only give back to our community throughout the year but also worked tirelessly to make this parade such a joyful and well-organized event.
It was truly a fun day filled with smiles, celebration, and community spirit. Well done, and thank you for making it such a memorable moment for Monroe County!
Celebrating Local Talent at the Capitol
This week, I had the pleasure of recognizing Gigi Ukaj of Monroe County at the State Capitol during the Big 33 Classic press conference—an event often called “The Super Bowl of High School Football.”
Gigi, who cheers for Bethlehem Catholic, was selected as one of the Big 33 cheerleaders—a tremendous honor and a reflection of her hard work, talent, and dedication.
Congratulations, Gigi! We’re so proud to see Monroe County represented on this statewide stage.
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