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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
  
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DePasquale comments on approval of state budget package
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, made the following comments regarding the Pennsylvania legislature’s adoption of a no-tax-increase, $28.2 billion state budget package:
"Again this year, we were able to secure a budget that has no tax increases yet provides significant investments for in areas that will protect the progress we have already made while investing in our future. We have made education a priority, with significant increases allocated to York County schools; enacted policies that will reduce our reliance on foreign fuels and invest in alternative fuel production here at home; and made a commitment to build our economy and repair and upgrade our infrastructure. And we accomplished this with an increase in spending that comes in below the 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. I am pleased to say that York County schools will see some of the highest increases in education funding in the state. York City alone will see the highest increase in school history and the third highest percentage increase in the state. I am proud that the entire York delegation stood together on the need to change the funding formula to reflect the huge growth in our region. And once again, we are investing in early education programs that help kids get off to a good start, and continuing the Classrooms of the Future technology program, which will help bring learning into the 21st century."
On energy independence:
"According to a recent Reuters news report, this nation is in the midst of a 'green rush' – similar to California's gold rush in the 1800s – to invest in clean energy resources. In the last five years alone, investors have pumped $24 billion into clean-energy projects – a two-fold increase over previous investment levels. This budget finally places Pennsylvania in the driver's seat to become the global leader in alternative energy production – taking the millions we send overseas and investing that money right here at home. And what better day to declare our energy independence than on the Fourth of July?
"I have been working on this proposal since I took office, and even prior to my legislative service. We now have the opportunity to pump $650 million into our state economy, attracting and developing new clean energy businesses and creating thousands of jobs. And we also will provide tax credits and incentives for consumers to invest in solar power and other alternative fuel sources in their attempts to lower their own heating bills."
On economic development and infrastructure improvements:
"Many of Pennsylvania's roads, bridges, dams, and sewer and water lines are in desperate need of repair, especially in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This would have a direct impact on our community, helping to hold down sewer and water rate increases that could occur as a result of improvements. This budget places an emphasis in rebuilding our infrastructure, which will significantly impact the growth of our economy and help attract and retain business development."
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