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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mark Longietti |
  
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Longietti comments on approval of state budget package
HARRISBURG, July 4 – Pennsylvania state Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, made the following comments regarding the Pennsylvania legislature’s adoption of a no-tax-increase, $28.2 billion state budget package:
"The 2008-09 state budget reflects a responsible spending plan that holds the line on taxes while addressing many of the issues important to working families. This budget focuses on protecting the progress we have already made while moving the state forward and developing additional initiatives to help keep our economy steady. We have made significant investments in education, economic development, infrastructure improvements and alternative energy production – all with the goal of sustaining a healthy state economy."
On education:
"Education was probably the biggest winner in this year's budget package – and for good reason. Adequate funding that will ensure more state investments in public education and enable students to attain applicable academic standards is vital to the future of our Commonwealth. We renewed our faith in the effectiveness of early education by increasing funding for these programs by more than $11 million. And we also continued other successful programs like Classrooms of the Future, Dual Enrollment and the popular Accountability Block Grants. Adequately funding education is one of the most valuable investments we can make, and state funding is crucial to holding down local property taxes. This budget makes education a top priority."
On economic development and infrastructure improvements:
"In an effort to weather the economic slowdown affecting states coast to coast, we have invested in economic incentives and infrastructure development programs, including $350 million to repair bridges; $15 million for airport and railroad capital improvements; $800 million for water and sewer infrastructure and high hazard dam improvements; $400 million more for water supply and sewage treatment systems if voters approve bond issue this fall; and $800 million in redevelopment capital assistance over four years. In the new spending plan, roads and bridges, water systems and dams, and airports and railways across the Commonwealth will get the attention they need. But what is equally important is that an injection of funds into infrastructure development programs will leverage millions more in private capital and encourage businesses to use existing land and facilities here in Pennsylvania."
On energy independence:
"In the last five years alone, investors have pumped $24 billion into clean energy projects, almost doubling the increase over previous investment levels. Some experts are calling this time in our history the 'green rush.' With 'green jobs' booming, this budget puts Pennsylvania in the driver's seat to become the global leader in alternative energy production, taking the millions we send overseas and investing that money right here at home. We now have the opportunity to pump $650 million into our state economy, attracting and developing new clean-energy businesses and creating thousands of jobs. And we also will provide tax credits and incentives for consumers to invest in solar power and other alternative fuel sources in their attempts to lower their own heating bills."
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