|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State
Rep. Thomas Petrone |
  
|
Petrone approves state budget package
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Tom Petrone, D-Allegheny, made the following comments regarding the Pennsylvania legislature’s adoption of a no tax increase, $28.2 billion state budget package today:
"As majority chairman of the Urban Affairs Committee, my top priority is to keep our urban areas alive and thriving. This year's budget includes a strong economic development package that will do just that by providing the capital to recruit new businesses and workers while maintaining the businesses we have now.
"It is of the utmost importance to protect our cities and towns from deteriorating. I have worked with my committee in the past to offer anti-blight legislation, and the budget's economic development package continues that fight. Funding for infrastructure improvement and programs like the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program will help avoid urban depreciation through projects that will spur economic and cultural improvements to Pennsylvania's cities and towns.
"This year's budget will greatly improve Pennsylvania's communities by setting aside funds for the Keystone Opportunity Zone program. This important initiative stimulates local economies and improves the quality of life in communities by providing for the redevelopment of underutilized land and buildings, which will inject a new life into our urban and rural areas."
###