It took longer than anyone expected, but Pennsylvania has a new state budget that delivers for residents across the Commonwealth. If it wasn't for the House Democratic Majority driving the agenda and staying resolute in our commitment to demanding compromise from all sides, we wouldn't have made such solid progress on the following important issues:

• Dramatic reforms in our health-care system by expanding access to services and reducing hospital-acquired infections.
• Unprecedented funding for proven early education programs.
• Historic investments in fixing our ailing roads and bridges and dedicated funding to mass transit systems that take people to work, medical appointments and the grocery store.

We are 102 members strong, and we delivered as a team.
 

Reclaiming our Energy Independence
 

House Democrats also are following Governor Ed Rendell's lead on making Pennsylvania less dependent on oil from the Middle East by ensuring that alternative energy and clean technology sources become more widely used in the state.

A package of legislation to accomplish these goals will be discussed this fall during the legislature's Special Session on Energy.
 

Click here to see the House Democrats' plan for Energy Independence!