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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Jennifer L. Mann |
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Mann: Education, Jobs and No New Taxes Budget Priorities
HARRISBURG, Feb. 22 – Rep. Jennifer L. Mann, D-Lehigh, submitted a letter to House Appropriations Majority Chairman Dwight Evans and Minority Chairman William F. Adolph, Jr. today, in which she urged an increase in education funding, preservation of the social safety net for disadvantaged residents and seniors, and increased funding for the state’s job creation and training programs.
"Even though there have been signs of hope in both our local and national economy, including a rebound in our nation’s stock market and use of federal stimulus monies to create jobs and growth right here in the Commonwealth, there is still much work to be done as we move forward in this budget cycle," Mann said.
"Make no mistake, there’s a long way to go – millions of our state’s citizens are in dire need of help. We must preserve the social safety net for our most disadvantaged citizens and seniors, making sure they continue to receive the services they require. As we move forward with this budget, we cannot lose sight of the fact there are so many families in need this year," Mann said.
Mann said she will work to ensure there are no increases in the Personal Income Tax or property taxes on homeowners. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which directly created or saved 84,000 jobs in the Commonwealth, was also highlighted.
Mann supports the Governor’s budget proposal of $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.
Further, she wrote the Department of Labor and Industry’s funding must be held, or even increased. Specifically, the department’s workforce development and job training programs, and Pennsylvania CareerLink centers.
"These programs are invaluable for those seeking jobs and serve to provide workers with the skills necessary to succeed. Any cut to the funding for the department would counter the positive effects these programs have for our citizens, and would only further set back those who are out of work," Mann said.
Rep. Mann serves in Leadership as Majority Caucus Secretary for the House Democratic Caucus.