WEEKLY MESSAGE TO OUR REPRESENTATIVES
March 1-7
The message below can be used as is, modified, or you can create your own message on that topic. A personalized message is the most effective. For each message sent, focus on only one topic. Clearly state the topic, action you want taken (vote for, support) and why. For postcards and letters, include your name and address, otherwise it won't be read!
Advancing Equitable and Competitive Education Policy in Pennsylvania
Dear Senator/Representative [Last Name],
I am writing to urge meaningful action to address several systemic challenges within Pennsylvania’s education system that are impacting families, students, and the long-term economic competitiveness of our Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania’s current education framework is not producing equitable or competitive outcomes, and the data is increasingly difficult to ignore.
First, Pennsylvania remains one of the most inequitable states in the nation when it comes to public school funding. Our heavy reliance on local property taxes has created a structural imbalance between wealthy and low-wealth districts. Students’ educational opportunities should not depend on their ZIP code. While recent adequacy formula adjustments are a step forward, the pace of reform does not match the urgency of the problem.
Second, Pennsylvania students graduate from college with among the highest levels of student loan debt in the country, currently ranking third nationally. This places a disproportionate burden on young adults at the very moment they are attempting to enter the workforce, purchase homes, and contribute to local economies. We risk losing talent to neighboring states with stronger affordability structures.
Third, Pennsylvania ranks approximately 30th in overall public education quality. In a state with world-class universities and a proud industrial and innovation history, this should be a wake-up call. We must align K-12 outcomes with workforce needs and future economic demands.
Additionally, our investment in early childhood education lags significantly behind neighboring states. Pre-K funding remains far below border-state averages, with some states investing nearly four times as much per capita. Research consistently demonstrates that early childhood education yields some of the highest returns on public investment by reducing remediation costs, improving graduation rates, and strengthening long-term earnings.
Finally, Pennsylvania’s community college system faces structural challenges in both affordability and student completion rates. In-state tuition levels and graduation outcomes rank poorly compared to peer states. Community colleges should be the backbone of workforce development, adult retraining, and accessible higher education, particularly in rural and working-class communities like your home district.
These issues are not isolated. They are interconnected components of a larger competitiveness challenge. If Pennsylvania hopes to attract families, retain young professionals, and remain economically strong, we must modernize and rebalance our education investment strategy.
I respectfully urge you to consider:
• Accelerating adequacy funding to reduce property tax disparities
• Expanding state support for public higher education to reduce student debt burdens
• Increasing Pre-K investment to regional parity levels
• Reforming and strengthening the community college funding model
• Aligning education funding more closely with workforce development priorities
I appreciate your service and your consideration of these issues. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how these reforms could positively impact communities across Westmoreland County and throughout the Commonwealth.
Respectfully,
Please include your name and address
Contact Information
State Representative Brian Rasel District 56
Email: https://www.reprasel.com/Contact
Address: 156-C Clay Pike
North Huntingdon, PA 15642
Phone: 724-744-0305
Harrisburg Number: 717-260-6132
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State Representative Eric Davanzo-R
District 58
If you live in North Huntingdon Precincts 3-2 and 4-2 Davanzo is your representative.
Email: https://repdavanzo.com/contact
Address: 119 N. Water Street
West Newton, PA 15089
Phone: (724) 929-2655 Mon.-Fri. 9am-4:30pm
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State Senator Kim Ward-R
Email: https://senatorward.com/contact-me/
Harrisburg Office:
Senate Box 203039
Harrisburg, PA 17120-3039
717-787-6063
Greensburg Office:
1075 South Main Street
Suite 116
Westmoreland Crossroads Plaza, Greensburg, PA 15601
724-600-7002
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