Rep. Jennifer Mann: Legislation would lower Pa. compulsory school age from 8 to 6 -

6/8/2007
Mann legislation would lower Pa. compulsory school age from 8 to 6

HARRISBURG, June 7 - State Rep. Jennifer Mann, D-Lehigh, has
re-introduced legislation (H.B. 1143) that would lower Pennsylvania's
compulsory school age from 8 to 6.

Under current law, parents are not held responsible for ensuring
children under 8 attend school, Mann said. The new legislation would
require children to attend school as soon as they turn 6.

"This legislation would give all of our children the opportunity to
thrive," Mann said. "Many studies have shown that school attendance at a
young age advances the social and academic development of kids."

The legislation would apply to public school districts as well as
private and parochial schools in the state.

The bill would go into effect July 1. It is currently being considered
by the House Education Committee.
www.politicspa.com