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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Pallone |
  
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Pallone: Budget invests in economic development, education
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. John Pallone, D-Westmoreland/Armstrong, said Pennsylvania's 2008-09 budget package repairs the state's infrastructure, increases funding for education and spurs economic growth.
The budget package, which the governor is expected to sign into law quickly, includes:
· $350 million to repair the state's most dangerous bridges,
· $15 million for railroad and airport capital improvements,
· $800 million for high-hazard dam and water and sewer infrastructure improvements,
· $800 million in redevelopment capital assistance over four years.
The budget also includes a nearly $275 million increase in overall education funding, without raising taxes.
Pallone released the following statement on the 2008-09 state budget:
"With the sluggish economy, working out a state spending plan was a difficult task this year. But through fiscally responsible decisions, we are able to ensure our roads, bridges and rail lines are in good repair, that we improve high-hazard dams and invest in education.
"School districts across the Commonwealth will see a minimum of a 3 percent increase in their basic education subsidy, making our children the big winners in this spending plan. We continue funding for proven programs such as Classrooms for the Future, Pre-K Counts and Dual Enrolment. We made education a priority so our children get the best education possible, and school districts would not be put into the position of having to burden homeowners with massive tax hikes.
"The budget also works to stimulate local economies and create jobs by providing $650 million to invest in the fledgling alternative energy industry, encouraging these companies to move into Pennsylvania. And we continue the successful Keystone Opportunity Zone program that encourages development of under-used land and buildings through tax breaks, revitalizing neglected neighborhoods.
"And most importantly, we make these investments without raising taxes or raiding the rainy-day fund."
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l:'print'releases'2008Budget.054
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