February 2019: State News

AAUW-PA Officer Elections−Voting Now Open

AAUW-PA is holding elections for three offices this year: Finance Officer, Membership Vice President and Secretary. Any member of and Pennsylvania Branch can vote in the elections either on-line or by paper ballot. Information about the nominees, instructions for voting, and a paper ballot are attached. Information is also available on the State website (aauw-pa.aauw.net/officer-election-2). We will also hold a vote at the Branch meeting on February 16. Voting closes on March 15.

PA Schools Work Seeks Real Stories

AAUW-PA is working with PA Schools Work, an organization seeking equitable funding for PA Schools. They are looking for personal stories to illustrate the problems of budget cuts, because legislators consistently say that it is real stories that make a difference when they are considering their funding choices. AAUW Pennsylvania members are asked to find such stories. If you or your neighbors or contacts have any stories, bring those stories to the February 16 meeting or contact Patti Reali-Santoro (patti.reali@comcast.net, 215-428-1468).

Here are some questions to ask to get your started:

  • What School District and/or individual school is the location of your?
  • What curriculum-related topics or courses did this school or district offer previously that it is no longer offering due to budget cuts?
  • What extra-curricular activities or pupil services (e.g., nurses, librarians, art teachers, etc.) did this school or district offer previously that are no longer available?
  • Have class sizes or teacher loads increased due to budget cuts?
  • What other stories or information can you offer about the changes in your local schools due to inadequate funding?

Equal Pay Day and Rally

AAUW-PA is making plans for April 2—Equal Pay Day—and our annual Equal Pay Rally in the rotunda of the capital in Harrisburg on April 8.

Why are there two dates? April 2 is the nationally designated day. Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania legislature will not be in Harrisburg that day. However, this is an opportunity for you to visit them at home. The rally is planned for the following week when both the Senate and House will be back in Harrisburg. Watch for details and more information from the Public Policy Co-Chairs Barbara Price and Kim Hoertz.