Daily+News+Editorial+About+T.E.A.C.H.

= Write to Both Sides = =//Published by the McKeesport Daily News//= =//6/13/11//= = = = = =First, you have to admire the tenacity of the teacher group Tell Everyone All Cuts Hurt. It created signs seen all over Western Pennsylvania and pressed peace­fully its concern about how much Harrisburg will pro­vide for education in fiscal 2011-12. = =We admire the effort by TEACH organizer Steve Singer, who argues, “What’s taking place is wrong” and “Education funding needs to be increased — not just a little, but a lot.” Additionally, we understand that TEACH pres­sures Republicans who control both houses of the General Assembly. The latest TEACH campaign went to offices of five lawmakers including two with local ties, Sen. John Pippy, R-Moon Township, and Rep. Eli Evankovich, R-Delmont. = = However, we also recall something said at a Duquesne City School District Board of Control meet­ing. A woman concerned over budget cuts there also expressed concern over lack of attention to a protest about cuts to the family center there, questioning why Democratic Sen. James R. Brewster of McKeesport could not attend. = =We’re sure it was not for a lack of concern, as we’ve heard Brewster press his ideas for funding education on all levels with a proposed natural gas extraction tax. = =Indeed, it also was easy to overlook new BOC chair­man Dr. Juan R. Baughn suggesting pressure on local lawmakers, which, in Duquesne, would mean Brewster and Rep. Marc J. Gergely, D-White Oak. = =We also don’t doubt where Gergely is on this issue, including his donating $500 that TEACH used to rent a bus for the recent trek. = = Still, it is a reminder to one and all that the cards and letters and lobbying need go to both sides of the aisle, Democrats as well as Republicans . = =Do not take for granted where a lawmaker stands. =

= = =State Rep. Marc Gergely Praises T.E.A.C.H.= =News= =home=