Officials Want Corbett To Clear Emergency Money For Phila. Schools
By Mike DeNardo, Ileana Diaz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Mayor Nutter and Philadelphia's legislative delegation are calling on Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett to immediately release state money that would allow city schools to open on time.
But they're getting a cool reception to the idea.
The city's legislative delegation says if the state sends $45 million already okayed by the Pennsylvania legislature, then Philadelphia schools superintendent William Hite would have nearly the $50 million he says he needs by Friday to open schools on time (see related story).
Pennsylvania state representative Cherelle Parker (D-Phila.) says Gov. Corbett should release that money.
"We make a plea to you, our leader, our CEO, to deliver the $45 million for Philadelphia," she said today.
But state budget secretary Charles Zogby, in a statement, said concessions from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers must be negotiated before that cash is released.
State senator Anthony Williams (D-Phila., at lectern in photo) bristled at that notion.
"There's nothing in the language of the fiscal code that says 'PFT,' " he said today.
In a letter to the governor, the delegation noted that the Philadelphia school district has made a series of fiscal reforms, including closing two dozen schools last year.
