Adjust Text Size

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2009
Back to Releases

- SB736
- SB281

Senate Approves Orie Bills to Halt Graduation Tests; Provide Students with Severe Allergies Access to Medication

The State Senate today overwhelmingly approved two measures sponsored by Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) that would halt a costly new graduation test and ensure that students with severe allergies have access to life-saving medication.

Senate Bill 281 would prohibit the Department of Education from imposing any new statewide requirement for high school graduation without legislative approval.

Senate Bill 736 would allow students with severe allergies to carry epinephrine medication -- such as EpiPen auto-injectors -- upon approval by the students' physician and parents.

Orie introduced Senate Bill 281 to put a halt to a $201 million contract that the Department of Education signed with an out-of-state company 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 ten subject area tests in order to graduate.

Orie has been an outspoken critic of the test, which she says is an unnecessary and duplicative mandate that erodes local control, won't improve student learning and is extremely costly at a time when the state simply cannot afford new untested programs.

"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.  "This sends a clear message to the Governor that we cannot and will not waste $201 million on a controversial and unnecessary program and that he must work with the legislature to develop programs and policies that will stand the test of time."

The Senate also approved another education-related bill that is intended to help students with severe allergies gain access to medications they need while in school.

Students with severe allergies could carry epinephrine medication with them in school with the permission of their physicians 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.  "This bill could help to save lives by providing students access with the medicine they need, when they need it."

Both bills now go to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Contact: 

Nate Silcox
(717-787-6538)