HARRISBURG, FEB. 6, 2007: State Sen. Mike Stack today said Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed $27.3 billion 2007-08 General Fund spending plan makes a commitment to improving the health, education and well-being of Pennsylvania.

“I’m excited that the governor has proposed an aggressive and comprehensive budget plan,” Stack said. “In the face of federal funding cuts and the failed fiscal policies of the Bush administration, which have stuck states with huge unfunded mandates, it is refreshing to know that Pennsylvania has a forward-thinking leader in Gov. Rendell.

“I look forward to considering and debating all of the governor’s proposals in the months ahead,” he said.

In his budget address to the General Assembly today in Harrisburg, the governor laid out a comprehensive plan to reduce medical costs and health insurance premiums while ensuring every Pennsylvanian receives healthcare through the Prescription for Pennsylvania plan.  

“Prescription for Pennsylvania is a bold and impressive initiative, and I look forward to the many hearings on this proposal,” said Stack, who is the Democratic chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee and member of the Appropriations Committee.

Stack is pleased with the governor’s education funding plan, which continues to build on the Rendell administration’s commitment to our children’s education. 

The plan includes $350 million in funding for the Accountability Block Grant, which is a $100 million increase from last year. 

“This increased spending is an investment in our children, who deserve to have every door of possibility and achievement open to them,” Stack said. “This increased spending is working in our classrooms and will continue to build on our youth’s bright future.”

The senator was also impressed with the governor’s dedication to reducing our reliance on foreign oil and promoting alternative fuels through the proposed Energy Independence Strategy, in which Pennsylvania will produce 1 billion gallons of biofuels per year.  This and other components of his plan will help consumers save $10 billion.

“Biofuels and the production of alternative energy are good for the environment and the economy,” Stack said. “This plan will create a new industry and many jobs, and help consumers save $10 billion.”

Gov. Rendell also introduced a funding plan to address our crumbling transportation infrastructure during his budget address.

The Governor suggested generating new revenue from excess oil company profits and by leasing the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The Governor’s proposal would create $1.7 billion annually in new revenues, without placing any additional burden on taxpayers.

“In the face of a statewide mass transit crisis, the Governor’s plan to tax oil company profits is an innovative proposal and a smart option to improve transportation services and protect taxpayers,” Stack said. “The oil industry is making record profits, while Pennsylvanians are struggling at the pump. It’s simply wrong.”

Stack added, “The governor’s proposed gross profits tax ensures that oil companies — who enjoy tremendous benefits from the operation of state highways and bridges, as well as mass transit — contribute to the maintenance and improvement of this transportation infrastructure.”

As gun violence continues to plague cities and communities across the Commonwealth, Rendell urged the General Assembly to consider tougher legislation on current handgun laws.

“The governor’s commitment to reducing gun violence is a positive proposal,” Stack said. His suggestions to upgrade penalties for possession of illegal handguns and require gun owners to report lost or stolen guns are two common-sense proposals to restrict the flow of illegal guns in Pennsylvania.”

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