PHILADELPHIA, PA --  Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA) addressed the Philadelphia Bar Association on the topic of education and the law today at its Quarterly Luncheon.  The third annual event, held in honor of the late Judge Leon Higginbotham, has highlighted speakers who have worked to improve the lives of the disadvantaged.

At today’s luncheon, Congressman Fattah made a strong connection between the funding disparities in education and the recent happenings within the legal profession.  He explained that as our citizens and our school districts bring the problem of unequal funding to the courts, he will continue to bring up the issue in Congress.

“Some of my colleagues in the Congress and some people in this room may think that funding is not the issue,” said Congressman Fattah.  “Well, if funding is not the answer, then let’s provide adequate funding and judge the results.  All these other problems we are dealing with – school construction, quality teachers, smaller class sizes – will be solved if we just level the playing field.”

Congressman Fattah urged Members of the Bar to take up important issues like school funding and be dedicated to community service and justice, just like the legendary Judge Higginbotham.

Congressman Fattah has spent much of his time in Washington trying to get his Equal Protection School Finance Act, H.R.1234, passed.  The bill would ensure that all students within a state receive equal educational resources.  Last week, Senator Dodd offered an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that was based on Fattah’s bill.  The amendment garnered 42 votes, more than the voucher vote, and received national attention.