FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Bill Kortz D-Allegheny www.pahouse.com/Kortz

Kortz votes for 2009-10 revenue, budget bills

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – State Rep. Bill Kortz, D-Allegheny, released the following statement on last night's House passage of a revenue plan and state budget bill for 2009-10.

"The House passed, and I voted for, a negotiated revenue bill that includes no broad-based tax increases such as a Personal Income Tax or a sales tax increase. We also voted to pass a spending plan that makes responsible cuts and revenue enhancements that are consistent with my priorities and those of residents of the 38^th District.

"Though it has been a lengthy and arduous process, I feel confident that we have passed a budget plan in the House that continues our investment in basic education, early childhood programs, services for seniors and the disabled, economic development and job creation.

"I am happy to report that the state Senate agreed with the House to not put an unfair burden on our volunteer fire companies, VFWs, American Legions and other nonprofits by taxing small games of chance, and that we were able to eliminate a proposed tax on tickets to cultural events like zoos, museums, theatre, dance, etc.

"The revenue bill and the spending bill are major pieces of the final budget package that is long overdue, but now on the verge of completion. The revenue plan is now on its way to the governor for his signature, and I encourage the state Senate to act quickly on the budget bill so it too can be sent to the governor for his approval."