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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Harold James |
  
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James discusses Pa.'s 2008-09 budget
HARRISBURG, July 7 – State Rep. Harold James, D-Phila., said he's pleased with the priorities in this year's no-tax-increase state budget and provided the following comments:
"This budget package incorporates many of the initiatives I have supported throughout my career in the state House – without raising any state taxes. The priorities mirror the needs and concerns of working Pennsylvania families and practice responsible spending. We have focused on education, alternative energy and economic and infrastructure development to improve our economy, invest in our future and create jobs across the state."
On Education
"Without properly funding our schools, we would make no progress in any other element of society, most importantly in workforce and economic development. Funding education is and should remain the top priority of state government. In addition to traditional programs, this budget funds pre-kindergarten programs, Classrooms of the Future and other valuable education programming."
James said that Philadelphia schools received $50.8 million more this year for basic education, which is a 5.76 percent increase in this year's state funding, totaling $932.6 million.
James also said he is happy the 2008-09 budget package also incorporates a proposal to require children in the Philadelphia School District to begin school starting at age 6 rather than the current age requirement of 8.
On Pennsylvania's seniors:
"Another concern for me was making sure that vulnerable Pennsylvanians, especially seniors, are taken care of in terms of health-care coverage. This year's state budget package includes legislation that deals with eligibility issues that will allow seniors to remain eligible for the PACE and PACENET prescription-drug programs despite Social Security cost-of-living adjustments."
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l:'print'releases' Budget08.186
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