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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna comments on Gov. Rendell’s budget address
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, released the following statement regarding Gov. Rendell’s 2010-11 budget proposal offered to members of the General Assembly today:
"I applaud the governor's proposal, which requires no broad-based tax increases to balance while at the same time holding the line on spending in most areas where cost increases are not mandated by law.
"I am disappointed that overall spending on agriculture is down in the governor's proposal. Agricultural research, which has been zeroed out of this proposal, is beneficial in identifying pests, diseases and other issues that greatly affect the industry. I believe we need to increase research to develop new and innovative ways to grow, not cut, our state's number one industry – agriculture. I am, however, encouraged that funding for important programs such as emergency food assistance and nutrient management has remained level.
"I am pleased that funding for our state's colleges and universities has remained level, although I had hoped for an increase for our state-run and state-supported institutions, particularly following the hit they took in last year's budget negotiations. While I am pleased that early childhood, primary and secondary education funding has increased by $354.8 million, I wish that the focus remained on the student after he or she graduates high school and continues on to college.
"I agree with the governor that it makes sense to tax cigars and other smokeless tobacco products, as well as to tax Marcellus Shale extraction.
"With regards to the governor's proposal to reduce the sales tax rate from 6 percent to 4 percent and to eliminate 74 sales and use tax exemptions, I believe the concept is interesting and warrants further investigation by the legislature to determine if it is a feasible solution for Pennsylvania.
"I support the governor's proposal to create a Stimulus Transition Reserve Fund that cannot be tapped until July 2011. It is wise to take action now to proactively address the end of federal stimulus funding for states."