Gem of the Day
State Rep. Larry Roberts (D-South Union) has turned the sublime into the ridiculous in his latest glossy newsletter from the state Capitol, entitled “Rep. Larry Roberts’ Education Report.” Anyone reading the propaganda-laced missive might erroneously conclude that Roberts is the de facto power in Harrisburg. Consider these verbatim tidbits: – “The 2005-06 state education budget passed by Rep. Roberts includes a $129.5 million basic education funding increase and a $23.9 million special education increase.” (So he did this all by himself – pretty impressive, eh?)
– “Rep. Roberts added $5 million to the 2005-06 state budget to fund these kinds of ‘Dual Enrollment’ programs in Pennsylvania.” (Another exceptional funding feat for a lone legislator – but we wonder what the other 202 House members have to say about this.)
– “In addition to the tutoring money for schools, Rep. Roberts also made sure funding for the Classroom Plus program was maintained in the 2005-06 budget.” (Thank God that Larry was wielding his solitary clout on this one.)
Roberts also lists the basic education and special education subsidy dollar increases for the four school districts he represents, giving the appearance that he is personally responsible for obtaining that money. While he may have supported the subsidy formulas, it’s important to note that the money is distributed according to such preset formulas and not by his personal charm or phone calls.