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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Pat Harkins |
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Harkins reacts to Gov. Rendell's 2008-09 budget address
HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Pat Harkins, D-Erie, issued the following statement in response to the 2008-09 budget proposal Gov. Ed Rendell introduced today before a joint session of the General Assembly:
Education:
"The governor is committed to improving education standards by increasing basic education funding by nearly 6 percent. This part of his proposal is important because proven programs such as Pre-K Counts and the Accountability Block Grants help fuel education here in Erie.
"Quality basic education helps to get students off to a good start in life, and this increase in funding is vital for delivering needed programs to them."
Rebuild Pennsylvania:
"Launching Rebuild Pennsylvania would help expedite infrastructure upgrades throughout the state but, most importantly, at the Erie International Airport. The airport is long overdue for an expansion to both the airport and runway to meet rising demands.
"It is a sore spot for many in the region because, while economic improvements have been made here in recent years, the airport continues to languish. It's time to turn that around and put the airport at the top of our list of priorities. Through the Rebuild Pennsylvania program, the governor would help us reach that goal."
Health care:
"I was disappointed last year that we didn't enact Prescription for Pennsylvania and hope this is our year to do it. This is a program that would lower health-care costs for both businesses and individuals. Too many people in Erie are without coverage and desperate for access. I support and will vote favorably for any bill to expand access to affordable health-care coverage to more Pennsylvanians."
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Harkins is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA1 (7-2-1) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.
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CONTACT: Carolyn E. Touma |