Welcome to the latest edition of Voices of Reason where we’ll recap exclusive news and data featured in our most recent podcast.
This new segment dives into what you need to know about considering trade, college, and education opportunities.
PA State Senator Joe Picozzi and Commonwealth Foundation Senior Fellow Guy Ciarrocchi share insights you don’t want to miss.
Big Names Make News
PA State Senator Joe Picozzi reflects on how the traditional college education path has overshadowed options for people to enter the trade industry and argues that "it is not just about equalizing [trade and education]; rather, we need to be glorify trades like becoming a police officer or first responder." [Watch ([link removed]) ]
Commonwealth Foundation Senior Fellow Guy Ciarrocchi explains that high schools and the state should keep pushing policies of dual enrollment opportunities so that "high school students are encouraged to go do a shadowing experience, an internship, or to work in the summer." [Watch ([link removed]) ]
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Numbers You Need to Know
Voter Interests
* Over the past 24 years, 293,000 students were unenrolled from public schools, and 153,000 were enrolled in charter schools. [Commonwealth ([link removed]) ]
* 20% of PA's K–12 students receive special education services, and the demand for special education teachers exceeds the supply. [Commonwealth ([link removed]) ]
* In 2024, PA education-related spending went up by $1 billion, with $500 million allocated to the poorest schools and $500 million allocated for special education, mental health, and physical safety in schools. [S ([link removed]) potlightPA ([link removed]) ]
Education
* In Gov. Shapiro's 25-26 Budget, the state proposed $75 million in basic education, $40 million for special education, and an additional $536 million for underfunded schools. [WHYY ([link removed]) ]
* Despite a decline in student enrollment, PA public schools increased teacher and administrator employment by 24,000, a 10% growth from 1999–2000 to 2023–24. [Commonwealth ([link removed]) ]
* Trade school enrollments grew 4.9% from 2020-2023, while traditional higher education enrollments dropped by 0.6%. [BestColleges ([link removed]) ]
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State Sen. Joe Picozzi on the the
Trade Industry
[link removed]
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In Case You Missed It...
The Voices of Reason podcast has covered the most important issues in Pennsylvania politics – from education funding ([link removed]) to trust in elections ([link removed]) . Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt ([link removed]) , PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity ([link removed]) , and House Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris ([link removed]) are just a few of many influential guests who have joined us for exclusive interviews and roundtable discussions.
Visit the Voice of Reason YouTube page ([link removed]) to experience all the great moments you missed.
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