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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Siptroth |
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February 25, 2008
Governor's budget proposal means economic boost for area
By state Rep. John Siptroth
The threat of a recession is quickly becoming a reality across the country. As people prepare to weather the economic downturn, many government officials are also exploring ways to cushion the fall for residents.
In a recent budget address to the General Assembly, Gov. Ed Rendell unveiled his plan to support Pennsylvania's economic growth in the event of a recession. The governor coined the plan, which I fervently support, Protecting our Progress.
As two of the fastest growing areas in the state, Monroe and Pike counties have unique needs for their school districts, businesses and residents. I believe those needs are addressed in Protecting our Progress.
The proposal includes economic incentives and infrastructure development programs totaling $750 million. The funding would be used to jumpstart $1.5 billion in community and economic development projects, such as:
- The Jonas Salk Legacy Fund, which would invest state dollars in building new facilities for health-related research projects and give hope to people waiting for medical breakthroughs.
- The Energy Independence Strategy to expand alternative energy and help consumers reduce their household energy costs.
- Rebuilding Pennsylvania, an effort to repair the state’s aging infrastructure with more than $700 million to accelerate progress in the next three years to repair at least 1,000 bridges, all state-owned high-hazard dams, and to help local governments repair their dams.
The stimulus program builds on a significant increase in tax relief for seniors under the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and broad-based property tax relief on the horizon for homeowners from nearly $700 million in gaming proceeds.
In addition to what already exists in the proposal, I plan to offer an amendment to the budget bill to reinstate education supplements for growing school districts like those in Pike and Monroe counties so they are receiving an equitable share of state support, and be less dependent on local sources.
I'm also exploring a number of other major economic development initiatives to bring thousands of high-paying jobs to Northeast Pennsylvania. These include moving the Penn Regional Business Center project forward, assisting in the expansion of new technology manufacturing and the establishment of statewide renewable energy and energy independence solutions.
More information on the governor’s budget proposal is available by visiting www.pahouse.com/Siptroth.
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