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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Sabatina |
  
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Sabatina: State budget keeps Pa. moving forward
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. John Sabatina, D-Phila., said the General Assembly passed a $28.2 billion budget that funds essential education, energy and economic development efforts in Pennsylvania without raising taxes.
On education:
"The funding increase will allow Philadelphia's public and nonpublic schools to buy new equipment and resources to help students learn.
"More funding for preschool programs means younger kids will get a better educational start. Kids who have adequate resources during their early learning years generally do better in school throughout their academic career.
"The increase in early intervention funding will help students succeed and head off future issues that could affect their ability to learn.
On energy:
"Philadelphia is a great place for alternative energy businesses to locate. We already have the tools in place to support their growth."
"Investing in alternative energy production will help keep fuel prices for consumers down and strengthen our economy.
"Home heating fuel prices are affecting Philadelphia residents disproportionately. We need to develop alternate sources of energy to make sure people can heat their homes in the winter.
"If we can produce new sources of energy, we'll be able to rely less on electricity for homes and businesses and lower the cost for consumers.
On PACE/PACENET bill:
"This legislation ensures that seniors on PACE and PACENET will still be able to get their prescription-drug benefits without the Social Security cost-of-living increase affecting their eligibility for these programs."
"Senate Bill 4 is an essential piece of legislation that guarantees our seniors won't suddenly be ineligible for PACE and PACENET. People depend on these programs for their prescriptions, and this legislation will ensure they have access to the medicines they need to stay healthy.
"The 2.3 percent Social Security cost-of-living increase could potentially make people ineligible for the program, but Senate Bill 4 will prevent that from happening."
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