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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tim Solobay |
  
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Solobay: Budget package addresses education, infrastructure and
tax credit for volunteer emergency responders
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, said the 2008-09 state budget package increases funding for education, provides dollars to spur economic development and includes legislation giving a tax credit to help retain and recruit volunteer fire and rescue personnel.
The budget increases education funding by nearly $275 million without raising taxes.
"Because of the sluggish economy, budget negotiations were very difficult this year. But increasing funding for education remained a top priority so children could get the best education possible and local school districts wouldn't be put in the position of having to impose exorbitant tax increases on local homeowners," Solobay said.
The budget package includes the $650 million Energy Independence Fund, which will make investments in the alternative energy industry, provide funds to help residents and businesses install solar panels and keep viable the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps tens of thousands of seniors and working families pay their winter heating bills.
"The budget also includes money so we can repair our roads and bridges, and fix our high-hazard dams. This is important not only for the safety of our residents, but necessary if we are going to attract new business to relocate here," Solobay said. "And we've done all this without raising taxes or raiding the Rainy Day fund."
House Bill 377, which is part of the budget package, provides $4.5 million to offer active volunteer firefighters, ambulance and rescue personnel an income tax credit of up to $100.
"Our volunteer fire and EMS personnel save the Commonwealth approximately $6 billion in tax dollars every year. They donate a great deal of their personal time to protect the people of their communities. Offering a state income tax credit not only serves to thank them for their service, but could be an incentive to help recruit new volunteers," said Solobay, who is chairman of the Pennsylvania Firefighters and Emergency Services Caucus and chief of the Canonsburg Volunteer Fire Department, where he has volunteered for more than 30 years.
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