HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, Monday said the state’s $27.1 billion spending plan approved Monday night provides for crucial investments in health care, education, infrastructure and economic development without any increases in state taxes.
“However, 16 days late did not translate into a Sweet 16 budget,” George said. “It is far from a perfect spending plan.
“Most importantly, the budget restores key programs vital to the commonwealth and Clearfield County,” George said. “The consensus was hard-fought and hard-won despite a $650 million surplus and no need for tax increases.”
George says the budget includes $2 million to establish two technical colleges in Pennsylvania, and the state Department of Education has received a letter of interest to launch a technical college program in Clearfield County.
“Other investments in public education will affect thousands of Clearfield County students,” George said. “More than 3,200 students in the county will benefit from the Classrooms for the Future initiative that provides laptop computers for math, science, English and social studies”
George said more than 430 students in the county will be able to take advantage of voluntary pre-kindergarten under the Pre-K Counts program geared toward at-risk families. Increased funding for the Dual Enrollment program will open 136 slots for local students eager to earn college credits while in high school.
The budget also includes:
? An additional $3.5 million for the Science in Motion education program.
? A $16 million increase in tax credits to businesses that fund private school scholarships.
? A $220 million reduction in the capital stock and franchise tax.
? Expanded mental-retardation services to include 2,555 state residents on county waiting lists.
? An additional $4.9 million for Prescription for Pennsylvania programs to manage chronic care and combat hospital-born infections.
? Restored Uncompensated Care funding to hospitals that care for the uninsured.
? A fully loaded, $650 million Rainy Day fund to guard against economic downturns.
? A 3 percent cost-of-living adjustment for human service programs that serve children, the elderly, rape victims, those struggling with drug/alcohol addiction and persons mental and physical disabilities.
George said $22.5 million in funding was approved for customized job-training programs utilized throughout the region.
“It wasn’t a total victory on job training but the budget did significantly improve on the devastating cuts to job-training programs proposed by the Senate,” George said. “It was emblematic of most of the budget — somewhat compromised but passable.”