Stack Announces Senate Passage of Budget Bill

HARRISBURG, OCT. 6, 2009 — The Pennsylvania Senate today passed (43-6) the 2009-10 state budget, a long overdue spending plan that represents a bipartisan compromise given Pennsylvania’s economic state, according to state Sen. Mike Stack.

“Make no mistake, there are painful cuts in this budget, but given the economic climate over the past year and a loss of $3.2 billion in revenue, this plan still provides essential spending for our youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” Stack said. “This has been a long and frustrating process, but I believe that Pennsylvania will finally have a budget soon.”

The $27.8 billion spending plan (Senate Bill 1085) 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.

“Thankfully, this plan does not include an arts tax,” Stack said. “It was an unpopular proposal that would have hurt arts organizations and families alike.”

Specifically, the basic education subsidy will see a $300 million-dollar increase, and non-public and charter schools are also receiving increases in funding.

“I’m relieved to know that funding for veterans’ homes was restored back to the governor’s proposed level of $82 million. Now the veterans homes will receive the matching federal dollars they deserve, and there is no fear of closing any homes and eliminating jobs,” Stack said. “As a member of the National Guard, I’m also glad that funding has been restored to the general government operating line item in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.”

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

“Now that we’re moving along, I urge my colleagues in the House to work quickly and efficiently so that child care centers and drug and alcohol treatment centers can receive funding again and remain open,” Stack said. “These, and many other organizations, have been forced to take out loans or use every last penny to keep up. They provide valuable services and don’t deserve this undue stress.

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