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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. W. Curtis Thomas |
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Thomas reacts to Senate Republican budget bill
HARRISBURG, May 7 – State Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila., expressed outrage today over a budget plan passed by the Senate that would slash state funding across the board.
Thomas said some of the areas hit hardest by the Senate Republicans' cuts are those most important to moving Pennsylvania forward -- education, health care and economic development.
"Investing in education, providing long-term, sustainable jobs and helping the uninsured get health coverage have to be top priorities," Thomas said. "I will do everything in my power to make sure that the irresponsible and ludicrous funding cuts proposed by the Senate Republicans do not become part of the final budget."
Thomas said the cuts reflect a strong disconnect between the Senate Republicans and the people they represent.
"People are struggling and they need help," Thomas said. "The Senate Republicans clearly failed to recognize these struggles when they put their budget proposal together."
The Senate approved its version of the budget on a party-line vote before leaving Harrisburg until June. Thomas says he plans to work with his colleagues in the House on an alternative budget plan that reflects the state's commitment to Pennsylvania residents, even if it means finding additional revenues to fund it.