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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Ronald G. Waters |
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PLBC speaks out against S.B. 850
HARRISBURG, July 14 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus took a firm stand against a Senate Republican-passed budget plan today at a news conference held at the state Capitol.
PLBC Chairman Ronald G. Waters, D-Phila./Delaware, said, "I am appalled at the devastating effects this bill would have not only on the black community, but on all Pennsylvanians."
Waters said the Senate Republican plan would reduce and eliminate funding for state programs and services across the board. It would also reduce state appropriations by approximately $1.8 billion for medical assistance, mental retardation, mental health and programs serving individuals with physical disabilities.
He said PLBC members would not stand for any budget plan that makes reckless, across-the-board cuts in funding for much-needed public services in Pennsylvania.
"Senate Bill 850 is without vision or voice," said state Rep. W. Curtis Thomas, D-Phila. "It is fiscally flawed and $1.7 billion out of balance anyway. It does more for the dead than the living and we are going to do everything within our power to make sure it dies."
Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Phila./Delaware, added that S.B. 850 is the most uncompassionate and ill-conceived piece of legislation he has ever seen.
PLBC members also said they are determined to put Pennsylvania's families before politics, and pledged not to act irresponsibly by supporting or passing a budget plan that harms essential public services or vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
"We are here again to make sure that Pennsylvanians know Senate Bill 850 will hurt those who need our help the most," Waters said.
Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus are: Rep. Ronald G. Waters, PLBC chairman; Rep. Jake Wheatley, PLBC vice chairman; Rep. Kenyatta Johnson, PLBC secretary; Rep. Vanessa Brown, PLBC treasurer; Rep. Louise Bishop; Rep. Angel Cruz; Rep. Dwight Evans; Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland; Rep. John Myers; Rep. Cherelle Parker; Rep. Tony Payton; Rep Joseph Preston; Rep. Frank L. Oliver; Rep. James Roebuck; Rep. W. Curtis Thomas; Rep. Jewell Williams; Rep. Rosita Youngblood; Sen. Vincent Hughes; Sen. LeAnna Washington; Sen. Anthony Williams; and Sen. Shirley Kitchen.
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