By Evan Grossman | PA Independent
Pennsylvania House Democrats appear out of touch and, using an awkward dance video as evidence, out of step, too.
Advertisements
The video, which has been removed from their YouTube page, shows six lawmakers dancing outside the statehouse to Silento’s “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” The video, produced for about $1,000, was meant to spread awareness about education spending and the budget impasse that’s frozen any state funding of public schools.
“This video is dedicated to all the students going back to school,” the video narrator says. “As you study and work hard, we want to make sure you have everything you need to be successful in school.”
The 1:16 video features elected officials doing a dance called the “stanky leg” and closes with the message: “Ask your legislator to vote for a severance tax to fund and sustain public education. Your voice matters. Have a great school year!”
Advertisements
House Democrats and Gov. Tom Wolf are calling for a severance tax on Marcellus Shale drillers to help pay for public school funding.
Appearing in the video are Reps. Leslie Acosta, Brian Sims, Donna Bullock and Stephen Kinsey of Philadelphia, Rep. Ed Gainey of Allegheny, Rep. Kevin Schreiber of York and Rep. Patty Kim, Dauphin.
“Every representative in that video voted against a budget that includes record-high levels of public school revenue,” James Paul, a senior education policy analyst at the Commonwealth Foundation, told Watchdog. “If these lawmakers really cared about boosting school spending, they would stop attempting the ‘stanky leg’ and get serious about passing a budget that is fair for students, families and taxpayers alike.”
Advertisements
Budget proposals in Harrisburg giving an additional $400 million to public schools have stalled as the impasse has exceeded 60 days. The state has already missed $1 billion in payments to schools, and the House Democratic Caucus has even asked the treasury for a loan.
The severance tax alluded to in the video, as well as pension reform, are among the major obstacles in passing a state budget.
Neither Kim nor Sims, who represent two of the state’s poorest school districts, responded to request for comment on the video.
Advertisements
Kim has told reporters she paid for the video out of campaign funds and had it removed from YouTube because of copyright concerns.
“The dance is amusing, but it won’t advance solution-oriented conversations in Harrisburg,” Paul said. “Lawmakers involved in the video are spending more time explaining how it was funded than seriously debating a severance tax or the state budget.”
The fill video can be seen below.
Advertisements
