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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony Payton, Jr.
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Payton: Senate proposal went too far in cutting education funding
HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Rep. Tony Payton Jr., D-Phila., applauded the House of Representatives' rejection Tuesday of a budget plan offered by the Republican-controlled state Senate that would have significantly slashed funding for basic education, and said he would continue to fight any irresponsible cuts in the state budget that adversely affect Pennsylvania's schools and children.
"The Senate Republican plan contained cuts that would irresponsibly erode core state programs, and endanger children, seniors, families and the poor," Payton said. "The Senate must realize that sometimes cutting programs can backfire. Their lack of commitment to basic education is especially troubling, and I was heartened that the majority of my colleagues in the House rejected these cuts.
"You know the saying: 'You get what you pay for.' Neglecting the state's responsibility to provide a solid educational foundation for children will only produce less successful citizens in the future," Payton added. "If we want the state to be a haven for intelligent professionals and create a strong economy for the future, we should be investing in education programs that have shown proven success."
Payton said he will not support a budget proposal that does not provide adequate funds for education, health care, and job creation.
He added that before the Senate plan was rejected, he had prepared an amendment to it that would have restored funding for state programs including Pre-K Counts, the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program and Medical Assistance. It would have also restored funding for the "New Communities" program, which includes the Main Street and Elm Street programs, as well as funding for tourism attraction marketing.
The Senate is expected on Monday to insist on its amendment to H.B.1416 that the House rejected Tuesday. That procedure will then set the stage for creation of a conference committee where members from each chamber will hash out a budget compromise.
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