HARRISBURG, FEB. 5, 2008: State Sen. Mike Stack today said he was optimistic over Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed 2008-09 budget, which protects Pennsylvania’s economic growth, and its citizens.

The governor’s plan includes a $2.3 billion economic stimulus plan called “Protecting Our Progress,” which would, in part, release state funds for public works projects.

“As our nation prepares for troubling economic times. Pennsylvania is safeguarding our economic infrastructure with this proposed budget,” Stack said. “By funding projects that improve our bridges, dams, rail freight, airports and others, we can maintain and even create new jobs.”

“In addition to protecting our economy, this budget also takes a large step to protect communities,” Stack said.

The budget calls for doubling the funding of the state’s Police on Patrol Program from $10 million to $20 million, which would help fund the hiring of 100 police officers in Philadelphia alone.

The Police on Patrol program helps communities hire additional police officers to work in problem neighborhoods.

“Our police officers are putting their lives on the line for all of us,” Stack said. “This increased funding will give the Philadelphia Police Department extra support to put more cops on the streets in our city’s most dangerous neighborhoods.

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