HARRISBURG, May 9, 2012 – The Pennsylvania State Senate today passed a revised version of the state’s fiscal 2012-13 spending plan:
“While I still consider this spending plan a work in progress, I voted for this improved budget (Senate Bill 1466) because it makes crucial restorations for basic schools funding, important human services and programs and without raising taxes or incurring debt.
“In the future, I hope the final budget will further address the funding issues with the social services block grant program, but I understand that this budget is a big improvement on what the governor proposed in February and will move the process forward.
“These key restoration show that the Senate Democrats’ voices have been heard and we are willing to come to the table with the Republicans and worked towards a compromise that reflects priorities for families and workers statewide.
“I have always been an advocate for public education funding, the library system, financial assistance for students through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and numerous non profits and I will continue to fight for these things as the budget works its way through the House to make sure every dollar is allocated to these programs that need it the most.”
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