Powell hails budget proposal outlined by Gov. Shapiro
Rep. Lindsay Powell February 6, 2024 | 3:32 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, applauded Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget address today, hailing it as a transformative vision for Pennsylvania.
"What we heard from the governor was a bold blueprint to make our Commonwealth one of the most welcoming, accessible, competitive and equitable states in the country, all without costing Pennsylvanians a cent more in taxes,” Powell said.
"Among the governor’s proposals are a $40 million increase for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, a $600 million investment in economic development projects, and a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding, which includes $900 million for catch-up investments to support underfunded districts like Pittsburgh Public Schools.
“We must better support our schools to ensure a high-quality education for our children because we're falling short right now. I am hopeful that the governor will also commit to opposing the diversion of public school resources toward charter schools and voucher programs.
“I was also pleased to hear the governor call for the legalization of recreational adult-use cannabis with an emphasis on restorative justice. This will not only serve to generate millions in additional tax revenue for the Commonwealth but will also be a long-overdue first step to undoing the decades of damage caused primarily to Black and brown communities, who have been disproportionately impacted by its prohibition.”
Powell represents the 21st Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, which includes the Lawrenceville and Strip District neighborhoods, Millvale and Etna boroughs, and Reserve and Shaler townships in Allegheny County.