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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Chris Sainato |
  
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Sainato pleased with 2008-09 state budget that includes no tax increase
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Chris Sainato, D-Lawrence/Beaver, released the following statement on the $28.2 billion state fiscal plan and related legislation passed by the General Assembly today:
"I am pleased that we were able to reach a compromise and pass a state budget for the good of the people in Pennsylvania.
"Our PACE and PACENET prescription-drug programs will remain in place for many seniors who received a Social Security cost-of-living increase, even if that increase bumped them over the income limit.
"Additional funding is also being allocated for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program for residents who will need help paying their heating and electric bills this winter.
"When you look at how other states are being forced to raise taxes or cut services during these tough economic times, we are fortunate here in Pennsylvania to have been able to balance a state budget with no new taxes while ensuring quality investments in economic development, education and energy.
"I supported efforts to raise the state subsidy for education from 1.5 percent to 3 percent because increased education funding is one of my top priorities, and we were able to achieve that goal.
"Pennsylvania has a state budget we can be proud of that will continue to provide services that our citizens need even though the federal government is slashing funding to the states.
"Our most vulnerable citizens are being cared for in this budget, and that's what matters to me."
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