Reported by Fox29 News, by Jeff Cole

July 14, 2014

Fox 29 News investigative reporter Jeff Cole went one-on-one with Governor Corbett Monday, and got some answers about the Philadelphia School District's money crunch and the proposed cigarette tax to help ease the crisis.

Philadelphia school leaders remain on edge hoping the state legislators will finally pass a $2-per-pack cigarette tax to help close a gaping hole in city school funding.

Schools are due to open in just about seven weeks, but school jobs and class size hang in the balance.

Governor Corbett spoke with Jeff from Pittsburgh Monday to push pension reform for public employees, including teachers. He thinks that will help all schools with their budgets.

The legislature, so-far, remains unconvinced.

On the big issue locally of city school funding, the house and senate are at odds.

We asked the governor if he'd push them to pass the tax on smokes.

"We have talked about this. We need to get education funding done for the School District of Philadelphia, all parties must come together, must come to the table. I have said this bill must be run clean so we can open Philadelphia schools in September" said Corbett.

The house is due back in Harrisburg early next month for a possible vote.

The school district says even with the cigarette tax money it will likely have a $69-million gap in funding.

(Jeff Cole, "One-On-One With Governor Corbett On School Budget, Cigarette Tax," Fox29 News, 7/14/14)