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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: James M. Dawes Communications Director Professional Licensure Committee |
State Rep. Mike Sturla D-Lancaster Majority Deputy Whip Chairman, Professional Licensure Committee |
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Sturla votes for state budget
$3.5 million increase for School District for Lancaster
HARRISBURG, July 16 – State Rep. Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, tonight voted for the 2007-08 state budget legislative package that included significant increases in education and human services to benefit the Lancaster area.
Education
The School District of Lancaster will receive a $3.5 million increase, which includes an 8.7 percent increase in basic education funding, more than double the 3.5 percent statewide average increase.
On the higher education level, the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology will receive a 3 percent funding increase.
“I am glad that the School District of Lancaster will receive one of the most significant increases in state funding to continue its success in raising student performance,” Sturla said. “The original budget proposal included a $2 million funding cut for Thaddeus Stevens, so I am proud to get that money restored with a little extra funding.”
Human Services
· $71.5 million to fund a 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for human services programs including those that serve children, the elderly, rape victims, those struggling with drug/alcohol addiction and people with mental and physical disabilities.
· $28 million to expand community-based services for an additional 1,300 individuals, including 1,000 people with physical disabilities and 200 people with mental illness and 100 adults with autism.
· An increase from $3 million to $9.9 million for autism intervention and services.
“The human services’ COLA is the largest in more than 15 years and it helps make historic reductions in the MR waiting list by providing $25 million to expand community mental retardation services for over 3,400 individuals, including 2,555 individuals who are on county waiting lists,” Sturla said. “I am especially proud to see that Pennsylvania will do more to help those with autism and their families.”
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