HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said that Gov. Edward G. Rendell’s proposed state budget would continue to move the Commonwealth forward despite a global recession and sinking state revenues.
“Republicans and Democrats know this – or should know it – but there are prudent investments and foolish spending cuts no matter what the condition of the economy,” George said. “I think the governor’s budget makes many wise investments and avoids many short-sighted cuts.”
Despite a projected $2.3 billion shortfall in state revenues, George said the proposed budget would:
-Avoid any increases in the sales or income tax;
-Increase support for public schools by $300 million;
-Reduce business taxes by $400 million;
-Double enrollment in adultBasic, the health insurance program for working Pennsylvanians.
-Phase-in double-digit electric rate increases over several years.
“The cuts to many worthwhile programs and projects and the loss of 2,700 jobs are painful,” George said. “However, this is the start of the budget process and changes will be made.
“The numbers still have to be crunched and the proposals studied,” Rep. George said. “However, at first blush this proposal still moves Pennsylvania forward on many important fronts, including energy, education and protecting our most vulnerable citizens.”
George said the proposed basic education subsidies, the dollar increase and the percentage increase over last year for school districts in Clearfield County are:
-Clearfield Area, $13,120,688, $558,172, 4.69 percent;
-Curwensville Area, $7,514,906, $192,625, 2.72 percent;
-DuBois Area, $15,594,076, $772,317, 5.47 percent;
-Glendale, $5,762,284, $257,629, 4.88 percent;
-Harmony Area, $2,795,796, $72,556, 2.76 percent;
-Moshannon Valley, $7,152,501, $232,985, 3.55 percent;
-Philipsburg-Osceola, $11,600,472, $591,572, 5.57 percent;
-West Branch Area, $7,628,872, $369,767, 5.3 percent;
-Purchase Line, $8,985,990, $230,794, 2.72 percent.