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For Immediate
Release
3/11/09
- Senator Baker
- Senator Alloway
- Senator Robbins
Legislators Debate Governor's Plan to Close
Scotland School for Veterans' Children
Members of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs and
Emergency Preparedness Committees held a joint hearing today in Harrisburg to
seek input on Governor Rendell's proposal to close the Scotland School for
Veterans' Children, according to Senator Lisa Baker (R-20).
"This proposal directly impacts Pennsylvania's veterans'
community, Scotland students, families, alumni and staff, and the community at
large," Baker said. "We felt it was important to question the administration on
its decision and to find out more detail about its plans."
Baker acknowledged that because the state is facing a major
budget shortfall, the legislature must consider a wide range of cost-cutting
measures. But she raised strong concerns that families had no advanced warning
and that students were notified of the closure before parents received the
announcement.
The senator also criticized the administration's decision
to close the school with no placement plan in effect for the students. She
expressed her support for Senator Bob Mellow's (D-22) resolution to halt the
closing of Scotland School for Veterans' Children until a thorough legislative
study and review can be conducted.
"The students and families have been given little or no
opportunity to plan for their future," Baker said. "I find it very unsettling
that families are being forced to make decisions now, with no real assurances
that their children's needs will be met."
Baker said that those interested in offering their input on
the governor's plan can go to her website
www.senatorbaker.com or send an email to
scotland@pasen.gov
Established in 1895, the Scotland School for Veterans'
Children provides educational services for the children of hundreds of
Pennsylvania veterans. It is located in Greene Township, Franklin County.
Contact:
Jennifer Wilson
(570) 675-3931
More Information:
Supporting Pennsylvania Veterans
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