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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Brennan |
  
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Brennan supports Pa.'s 2008-09 budget
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Joe Brennan, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said he's pleased with the priorities in this year's no-tax-increase state budget and provided the following comments:
On education:
Brennan said that the Allentown City School District will get a near 20 percent increase over last year. Basic education funding for 2008-09 is set for $74.8 million, a 19.45 percent increase from 2007-08. For the other school districts Brennan represents, the funding amounts are:
· Catasaqua Area School District: $3.8 million – a 3.87 percent increase
· Salisbury Township School District: $2.1 million – a 3 percent increase
· Whitehall-Coplay School District: $5.95 million– a 11.86 percent increase
· Bethlehem Area School District: $23.9 million – a 8.85 percent increase
"These ample increased investments in our schools recognize a clear dedication to improving and maintaining the success of Pennsylvania schoolchildren. Combining this with incoming slots revenues will move us forward on helping schools reduce their dependence on property taxes – a major concern for all Pennsylvania homeowners."
On Pennsylvania's seniors:
"I've made a point to make senior prescription-drug programs one of my priorities – including introducing a bill that would boost enrollment for PACE and PACENET. I'm happy to see legislation as part of this year's state budget package that considers similar eligibility issues and will allow seniors to remain eligible for PACE and PACENET despite Social Security cost-of-living adjustments."
On economic stimulus:
"In a time of national economic downturn, we've acted to protect the economic gains Pennsylvania has made in recent years, and this budget provides the millions of dollars necessary to repair and replace our vital infrastructures – including deteriorating bridges – and keep and create jobs in Pennsylvania."
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l:'print'releases' Budget08.133
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