Victory for Catholic School Funding

After nearly a year of fighting, and a few small victories along the way, I successfully sponsored language to guarantee chartered non-public (Catholic) schools additional state funding. I have worked closely with the Catholic Conference and local Catholic school officials this past year to advocate for fair and effective funding of our Catholic schools, and together we have taken small steps toward securing resources for these schools. 

 
Last Friday, we took a giant step forward in securing vital funding for Ohio’s chartered non-public students.  The Ohio House of Representatives and the Senate voted to make an investment in the future by passing language to ensure funding for students attending chartered non-public schools across Ohio. 
 
 
The amendment that I introduced to Senate Bill 181 directed the release of $10 million from the Lottery Profits Education Reserve Fund for use by Catholic schools in the 2010-2011 school year.  I then lobbied members of the Conference Committee and helped secure $5 million in additional funding, bringing the total to $15 million for chartered non-public schools.
 
These vital funds provide $10.5 million for Auxiliary Services to provide for school nurses, speech therapists, and counselors. The other $4.5 million will help to offset costs non-public schools incur by following state mandates.  Of equal importance, the amendment protects funding of Ohio’s public schools and does not jeopardize our ability to recoup maximum federal stimulus dollars.

I am proud of the work I have done on behalf of chartered non-public schools.  As a Catholic school graduate and lifelong resident of the West Side of Cincinnati, I understand the importance of Catholic schools to the academic success and well being of our children and to the vitality of our communities.  As the State Representative for Ohio’s 31st House District, I look forward to continuing to advocate for our Catholic schools, as well as other pressing issues that impact the West Side.