Stout: State Budget Grim but Possesses Some Positives

HARRISBURG, February 4, 2009 –State Sen. J. Barry Stout today called Gov. Ed Rendell’s budget proposal painful because of the hundreds of programs that are eliminated or that will receive less funding but not all bad because the plan would fill the state’s anticipated deficit of $2.3 billion, require no new broad-based taxes and reduce spending.

“The Governor's cuts are concerning and more examination of the proposals is needed; tough choices will have to continue to be made,” Stout said. “Investing in education and infrastructure, like the Governor has proposed, will put citizens to work and better the future of the Commonwealth.”

Stout (D- Allegheny/Beaver/Greene/Washington/Westmoreland) said the Governor’s budget proposal would boost funds for public schools without raising taxes. The budget also would help those struggling to afford college by enacting the Pennsylvania Tuition Relief Act. This would provide tuition assistance to families earning less than $100,000 a year. Increases in funding would also go to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

“Attending a state system school is a good deal and the budget proposals make them an even better deal,” Stout said. “It is crucial in these tough times to keep students in Pennsylvania so they continue to contribute to our economy.”
According to Rendell’s budget, the “Rebuild PA Initiative” would invest $534 million for Pennsylvania’s bridges, roadways and water/sewer systems.

“Infrastructure is the backbone of not just Pennsylvania but the United States; the condition of our bridges, roadways and water/sewer systems is embarrassing,” Stout said. “The importance of a good infrastructure is overlooked; it is essential to revitalization.”

Stout added that to pay for the budget increases, Rendell plans to use the federal economic stimulus and state money from new sources, such as his plan to legalize video poker machines in bars and private clubs.

“We cannot rely on just the stimulus package to get us out of this hole,” Stout said. “We have to invest that money wisely, use our own funds and find new ways to get our own state economy in order.”

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