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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski |
  
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Pashinski reacts to passage of 2008-09 state budget.
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne, released the following statement regarding the $28.2 billion 2008-09 state budget passed by the General Assembly today.
"I am pleased that Pennsylvania is one of the few states that was able to continue important programs and investments to move the state forward without raising taxes. States such as New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan are in the red and are being forced to cut millions in funding or raise taxes. Because of sound fiscal management over the past few years, our effort to continue providing the services that the people of Pennsylvania need are able to continue despite the gaps caused by continuing federal cuts in funding for the states.
"We have balanced the state budget with no new taxes and provided notable investments in economic development, education and energy. Unfortunately, the rapid and alarming increase in the cost of living prevented the state from positively addressing all the needs of our residents. We have to tighten our budget belt as well.
"It is especially important to note that state funding for schools in my legislative district and across Pennsylvania will increase significantly, helping to preserve important education programs for millions of students and reduce the need for property tax increases.
"We have also preserved the state's Rainy Day fund while providing $800 million for important dam and bridge repairs and municipal water and sewer facilities. Municipalities in our region of Pennsylvania have seen their share of flooding and water damage, so the increased funding for these projects will help to alleviate the financial burden on our municipalities, businesses and residents."
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