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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Thomas Caltagirone |
  
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Caltagirone comments on 2008-09 state budget package
HARRISBURG, July 4 – In response to passage of the state budget today, state Rep. Tom Caltagirone, D-Berks, said the spending plan will bring numerous benefits to Berks County.
"Berks County in general and Reading in particular are big winners when it comes to education in this budget," Caltagirone said. "Reading School District is receiving a $15.5 million or 17 percent increase, which is extraordinary and very telling that Berks County students are worth investing in.
"This feeds into the larger effort of fostering the revitalization and renewal of our city and community. Education is an investment with long-term returns in our children so they can one day rise up to lead and prosper."
Caltagirone noted that in response to the economic slowdown affecting states coast to coast, several infrastructure programs will help revitalize Pennsylvania as a whole. He said where Berks County has suffered in years prior, residents will enjoy for years to come several economic incentives made in this year's budget package, including:
· $400 million more for water supplies and sewage treatment systems, and
· $800 million in redevelopment capital assistance over four years.
Additionally, the Rebuild PA component of the budget promises improvements to the state's infrastructure and will create jobs by the thousands that cannot be outsourced.
Caltagirone said the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program -- which will pump over a billion dollars into regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects -- is very near and dear to his heart. Last year he helped secure $1 million through the program for the Central Pennsylvania African American Museum.
"Other states in the nation are facing the same economic hardships as we are, but have raised taxes on their residents as a result," Caltagrione said.
"Here in Pennsylvania, we have passed a budget making responsible investments below the current 4.2 percent rate of inflation. And we did it without raising taxes."
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