Issue Position: Education

Issue Position

Senator Fontana continues to address the issue of child abuse by writing legislation that strengthens reporting requirements for suspected abuse by school employees. The legislation, Senate Bill 31, was passed unanimously by the Senate in October 2013.

A strong advocate for children, Senator Fontana worked with stakeholders and wrote legislation to address the growing problem of homeless children's education. Senator Fontana's legislation passed the General Assembly, and created the Task Force on Homeless Children's Education. This task force was established to examine the educational needs and status of homeless children in Pennsylvania and recommend a statewide proposal that provides an education to homeless children.

Every child deserves the opportunity to receive a high quality education and Senator Fontana has stood with his colleagues in the Senate, to fight for adequate school funding, opposing the draconian cuts the current Administration has implemented and successfully restoring some of the initial cuts.

Voted for the Children in Foster Care Act and the Economic Education and Personal Financial Literacy Program.

Co-sponsored a law that assists children of military families with the transition involved with moving from school to school.

Supported the requirement that school coaches and trainers undergo yearly training and certification to help prevent sudden cardiac death among student athletes.

As the Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), Senator Fontana has bolstered the accessibility for students seeking a post-secondary education. Thousands of students from the district have received assistance in the form of state grants, work-study assistance, and low interest loans.

Senator Fontana brings PHEAA into the community, hosting PHEAA Financial Aid Education Days for parents and students, to inform them on the opportunities that are available to them.

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