HARRISBURG, MAY 2, 2007 - With the proof of success on display nearby, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today urged lawmakers to restore funding to the innovative “Science in Motion” partnership in Pennsylvania.

“Science in Motion” is the product of the Pennsylvania Basic Education/Higher Education Science and Technology Partnership. It is a group of 11 colleges and universities providing science outreach programs to more than 200 school districts across the state.

“The idea that we have experienced a renewed interest in science classes in our middle schools and high schools is exciting,” Tartaglione said. “It is particularly exciting to me because Drexel University has partnered with dozens of schools in Philadelphia to bring instructors and equipment into classrooms that truly need support.”

In what has become a budget ritual, the Governor has eliminated funding for the program in favor of other education initiatives. Because of its national reputation and local support, members of the legislature have fought to restore the funding.

“In his budget this year, the Governor has demonstrated his concern for promoting the sciences by increasing his commitment to supporting science on the elementary level,” Tartaglione explained to a gathering of educators and students in the Capitol Rotunda today. “We believe that early introduction to science education is important, but to be truly successful, the program needs to continue onto the secondary level.”

The “Science in Motion” program has been featured on ABC network news and was recognized as a key innovation by the National Council on State Governments.

Participating schools set up displays in the Capitol’s East Wing Rotunda, providing an example of the technology they bring to schools.