FreedomWorks Returns to Harrisburg to Expose Republican Legislators in the Pockets of the PSEA

WHAT: FreedomWorks will hold a press conference this Wednesday at the State Capitol building to support education reform legislation (SB1) and to expose the names of specific Republican state legislators receiving significant campaign donations from the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) union. The list includes legislators who have accepted amounts ranging from $1,000-6,000.

Speakers at the town hall will include FreedomWorks Campaign Coordinator David Spielman, SB1 co-sponsor Senator Jeffrey Piccola (R-Dauphin/York), FreedomWorks Federal and State Campaigns Director Brendan Steinhauser, along with a select group of state and local volunteer activists.

WHERE: On the west steps of the State Capitol in Harrisburg, PA (Facing 3rd Street).

WHEN: Wednesday, June 8th, 2011, beginning at noon.

WHY: The state of Pennsylvania, like many other states across the nation, is plagued with overcrowded and under-performing schools. The Opportunity Scholarship and Educational Improvement Tax Credit Act (SB1) would help to balance the state budget, cost taxpayers a fraction of the money currently spent per student, while providing children with the opportunity to escape failing and dangerous schools.

“Pennsylvania public schools spend more money per student each year while their performances plummet,” commented David Spielman, Campaigns Coordinator for FreedomWorks. “It’s time for legislators in the Pennsylvania House and Senate to let constituents know where they stand. Less than two months ago, over 2,000 parents, students, teachers, and FreedomWorks volunteer activists flooded the steps of the State Capitol building in support of SB1. Yet we still haven’t seen any leadership on this issue.”

Lack of leadership in the school choice debate is likely a political response to the heavy lobbying efforts employees’ unions have put in place for years. The PSEA alone has a current operating budget of approximately $71 million.

Spielman added, “The PSEA, along with other teachers unions in Pennsylvania have stepped up their game in opposition to this important bill, and it’s time for us to respond. We are here today to send a clear message to state officeholders. You are either on the side of your neighbors, parents and children, or you are on the side of the unions. There is no fence to sit on.”

For more information about FreedomWorks’ efforts in the battle for school choice in Pennsylvania, please visit: http://schoolchoicepa.com/.