Stout Says Latest Budget Agreement is a Decent Compromise

HARRISBURG, October 6, 2009 — State Sen. J. Barry Stout today called the latest Senate passed budget bill, Senate Bill 1085, a decent compromise and a positive step towards ending the 3-month budget stalemate.

Senate Bill 1085 passed the state Senate this morning by a 43-6 vote.

“This latest agreement represents a great opportunity to finally end this budget stalemate and enact a spending plan that supports education, health care, and early childhood programs,” Stout said. “This was a long and frustrating process, but I am hopeful this bipartisan agreement will make it to the Governor’s desk.”

The $27.8 billion spending plan increases funding for education, health care facilities and social service programs, as well as provides more than $1 billion in new recurring revenues to balance future budgets.

Responding to the national recession, the proposed budget would spend less money this year than the previous year.

Stout added that he and other lawmakers succeeded in stopping proposed new taxes on amusement admissions and small games of chance proceeds.

“We fought to ensure there was enough recurring revenue in this budget so that we will hopefully never have to face such an enormous deficit in the following years,” Stout said. “It is my hope that the House will bring this spending plan to vote as soon as possible so funding for critical social services, education, and health care is no longer handcuffed.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for approval.

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