|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep.
Jennifer L. Mann
|
|
Mann: 2010-11 Budget
Proposal A Reflection of Reality,
Investment In Our Children
HARRISBURG, Feb. 9 – Governor Edward G. Rendell released his proposed fiscal year 2010-11 state budget today, which includes noticeable increases to public education and several critical social services. This proposal also begins to plan for the inevitable loss of federal stimulus dollars and an anticipated shortfall in funding for the Commonwealth’s two retirement systems.
"Governor Rendell’s budget proposal is an expression of the long term goals of his administration combined with a realistic look at the historic economic crisis in which we currently find ourselves" said State Rep. Jennifer L. Mann, D-Lehigh. "I share many of those goals, in particular, I strongly support additional dollars for education and his emphasis on job creation. Because of that, I think this is a good starting point for budget negotiations."
The approximately $29 billion budget represents an actual increase of 4.1 percent, including the accounting of $2.8 billion of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. Many of the same programs championed by the Democratic Caucus last year will stay in to provide much needed services to the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
Regarding education, the proposal calls for renewed initiatives to make sure all students achieve on the same levels as their peers. Rendell proposes $354.8 million of additional state dollars for the basic education subsidy and an overall increase in the amount of funding for education in the amount of $448 million to total $12.3 billion.
"The increase of the basic education subsidy has two dramatic, positive effects. First it helps make sure Pennsylvanian children, regardless of school district, have the opportunity to earn a first rate education. Second, it helps keep school property taxes level," Mann said.
The 2010-11 state budget also includes new cost control measures for social services, and language to ensure that the state’s most disadvantaged do not fall through the cracks of the social safety net. It also holds the line of funding for economic development programs and invests more than $550 million for infrastructure improvements.
"These concepts are in line with what I believe we must do given this historic economic crisis."
|
"We all know that the final budget will not be exactly what the Governor has proposed. He hasn’t heard from the members of the House Democratic Caucus on what our priorities are and our thoughts on how we can achieve our goals. Rest assured, as our working families and seniors struggle to afford the rising cost of living, I will work hard in my Leadership role to ensure that every tax dollar spent is spent wisely and as effectively as possible," Mann said.
Rep. Mann serves in Leadership as Majority Caucus Secretary for the House Democratic Caucus.
|