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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2009
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Senate Education Committee Moves Orie Measures
The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee today unanimously approved two
measures introduced by State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40).
Senate Bill 281 would prohibit the Department of Education from imposing any
new statewide requirement for high school graduation without legislative
approval.
The Department of Education signed a contract agreeing to pay an out-of-state
company $201 million to develop a new end-of-year testing scheme -- called the
Keystone Exams. Under the Department’s original proposal, all students would be
required to pass 10 subject area tests in order to graduate.
"At a time when Pennsylvania faces a $3 billion deficit, we cannot afford to
commit funding to an unproven and unneeded test," said Sen. Orie. "Many have
voiced their grave concerns about these tests, but the Rendell Administration
has decided to implement the tests anyway. The only way to stop the
Administration is to pass this bill."
Senate Bill 736 would amend the School Code by allowing students with severe
allergies to carry epinephrine medication -- such as EpiPen auto-injectors --
upon approval by the students’ physician and parents.
"This legislation is necessary because allergic reactions can happen at any
time -- on the playground, in class, or in the cafeteria -- and a student with a
severe reaction must have instant access to their medication," said Sen. Orie.
She noted that there are documented cases of children dying following a
treatable attack suffered at their school, because they did not have immediate
access to life-saving medication.
"Thirty-seven states currently allow students to self-carry Epi-Pens in case
of an emergency," said Orie. "This legislation would protect students and
prevent needless tragedies by ensuring that they have access to their
life-saving medication at all times."
Both bills will be sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee for a fiscal
review prior to being considered by the full Senate.
Contact:
Nate Silcox
(717) 787-6538
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