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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero |
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Santarsiero: Tough budget under difficult circumstances
HARRISBURG, June 30 – State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero, D-Bucks, this evening released the following statement after the House of Representatives approved a $28.05 billion state budget bill for the 2010-11 fiscal year:
"This year's budget process presented some extremely difficult challenges,
including a difficult economic climate and the uncertainty of some federal
funding.
"We began this fiscal year with an almost $400 million deficit and revenues throughout the year came in $1.2 billion under estimate.
"Again this year, I opposed any increases in either the state sales or income taxes as not appropriate for our economic times. I am pleased to report the budget passed tonight does not increase either of those taxes.
"This budget prioritizes a commitment to Pennsylvania’s children and property tax payers by increasing basic education funding while keeping the overall budget increase to less than one percent (0.77 percent). Given our current economy, the fact that we were able to include such an increase is significant.
"I fought to lessen cuts in spending in many critical agencies. While I was disappointed in the cuts to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and libraries across the state – and I fought against those cuts – I am pleased that we are continuing our investment in basic education.
"The good news is that this budget assumes no tax increases. To supplement the spending plan, we have reached an agreement with the Senate to pass a Marcellus Shale severance tax bill in October 2010 to be enacted on Jan. 1, 2011."
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