Wolf touts value of education to economy

Gov. Tom Wolf joined the national Campaign for Grade-Level Reading in Philadelphia earlier this week to highlight Pennsylvania’s significant progress and investments in education to reverse years of cuts and prepare students with the skills for rewarding careers in the 21st century economy.

“My administration is laser-focused on improving education at all levels, and investing in our schools and our children is my top priority,” Wolf said. “We have fully restored education funding cut during the previous administration, ensured students are ready for college or to start their career, and provided unprecedented support for high-quality pre-k programs so young children can start developing strong reading skills needed for success in school and beyond.”

This year, the governor secured $30 million for his first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative, PAsmart. Funded through competitive grants, PAsmart will help to increase classes in math, technology, science and information technology, as well as invest in skills training through expanded apprenticeships.

“Not every child in Pennsylvania will go to a four-year college, but every child needs the skills to compete for a good job,” Wolf said. “With PAsmart, we are investing in a well-educated, highly trained and skilled workforce that is ready for the in-demand fields that new or expanding businesses need in Pennsylvania.”

Joanna McClinton to co-host free shredding event

In her continued effort to protect constituents and their identities, state Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia/Delaware, will co-host a free shredding event with Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, in partnership with Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4, at Mercy Fitzgerald East Campus, 1515 Lansdowne Ave. in Darby.

Constituents are encouraged to bring unneeded paper items to be shredded for disposal, including old bills, health records and financial items, as well as any other paper items of a personal nature.

“With the threat of identity theft everywhere, especially online, I want to make sure people are educated about this issue,” McClinton said. “Improper disposal of old documents is a leading cause of identity theft, and we’re bringing constituents the best defense against becoming a victim of this of crime by organizing shredding events.”

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