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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Scott Conklin |
  
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Conklin comments on approval of 2008-09 state budget package
HARRISBURG, July 4 – Centre County state Rep. Scott Conklin made the following comments regarding the Pennsylvania legislature’s adoption of a no-tax-increase, $28.2 billion state budget package:
"One of the main priorities of this budget was to protect the progress that Pennsylvania has already made while moving forward with programs that will enhance our economy. This budget moves Pennsylvania forward and provides significant funding for public education, economic development opportunities and infrastructure improvements, and advancements in alternative and clean-energy production – all without raising any taxes. In fact, it maintains the scheduled reduction in the Capital Stock and Franchise tax, and represents responsible investments at an increase below the current rate of inflation."
On education:
"Adequately funding education is one of the most valuable investments we can make, and state funding is crucial to holding down local property taxes. All of the school districts in our area received increases in funding for basic education. In addition, this budget renews our commitment to early education programs that help our youngest students get the educational start they need. And we provided significant funding to continue the successful Accountability Block Grant and the Classrooms of the Future programs, which help to bring learning into the 21st century."
On energy independence:
"It is fitting that today, on Independence Day, Pennsylvania is declaring its independence from an addiction to foreign oil and the high gas prices that accompany it. Pennsylvanians are currently spending more than $30 billion a year out of state to purchase energy. The initiatives contained in this budget will provide major investments in homegrown clean energy and offer tax credits and rebates for businesses and consumers that utilize alternative energy systems. Also, Pennsylvania will become a national leader in clean fuels by being the first state to mandate cellulosic ethanol production goals and standards. Biodiesel isn’t just a good financial decision for our state and our farmers; it's a cleaner and more efficient fuel for engines than traditional diesel. Encouraging state-based fuel production will help our farmers, promote job creation and innovation, and reduce our addiction to out-of-state fuels. It's truly a win-win initiative."
On economic development and infrastructure improvements:
"In the new spending plan, roads and bridges, water systems and dams, airports and railways across the Commonwealth will get the attention they need. The Rebuild PA component of this budget agreement assures improvements to our infrastructure and a helps to create thousands of good paying jobs because, by their very nature, infrastructure jobs can't be outsourced. An injection of funds into the infrastructure development program will leverage millions more in private capital and encourage businesses to use existing land and facilities. And we extended the highly successful Keystone Opportunity Zone program to encourage development of underutilized land and buildings, creating business districts to revitalize local economies, spur job creation and improve the quality of life in KOZ areas."
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