Red-light funding plan
may get a green light

The state House Appropriations Committee passed a measure last week that would provide $1.2 million a year for the School District of Philadelphia in revenue from the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
The committee was considering a bill to extend the red light enforcement cameras in Philadelphia through Dec. 31, 2010.
The program is operated by the parking authority, and proceeds go to the state Department of Transportation.
However, Rep. Mike McGeehan (D-173rd dist.) offered a successful amendment that would give $200,000 to the school district’s Saturday Morning Alternative Reach and Teach (SMART) program and $1 million to the Advanced Academic Learning Program for gifted students.
The amended bill will go to the full House for a vote. Its fate, especially in the Republican-controlled Senate, is uncertain because the money would come from PennDOT and be earmarked for Philadelphia only.
McGeehan said the revenue is intended to make public schools safer and more appealing to potential students and their parents.
The lawmaker added that the amendment would help the parking authority live up to the promise it made six years ago, when state Republicans seized control from the city, to provide $45 million per year to Philadelphia public schools. So far, the authority has directed a mere $4 million.
"The gap between the original promises and what has actually developed over the last six years will be narrowed by what we have worked out after extensive deliberation and discussion between all the involved parties," McGeehan said.
The legislation also requires the PPA to provide an annual audit to the legislature and allow the auditor general to review the authority’s books.
Meanwhile, the legislator who sponsored the red light camera program is hailing the proposed change.
"Now, the fines collected will help fund school district programs instrumental in helping gifted students and targeting the disruptive," said Rep. George Kenney (R-170th dist). "This is something I have long advocated."
Kenney had offered an amendment to the bill when it was in the Transportation Committee to dedicate the funds raised by the camera fines to the general fund of the school district.
Cameras are at the following intersections along Roosevelt Boulevard: Southampton Road, Red Lion Road, Grant Avenue, Welsh Road, Rhawn Street, Cottman Avenue, Levick Street and Mascher Street. ••