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For Immediate Release
May 9, 1999

White: Final 1999-2000 State Budget Plan Clears Senate

Harrisburg – Pennsylvania’s new state budget invests wisely and promotes continued economic development, according to Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21), who said the state Senate today signed off on a $19 billion spending plan.

White said Pennsylvania’s sustained strong economy allowed legislators to make substantial new investments in job creation, education, technology and farmland preservation. In addition, legislators are expected to pass $400 million in companion tax cuts next week, she said.

The senator said the 1999-2000 budget increases funding for basic education by $107 million. In the last five years, Pennsylvania education funding has increased by nearly a half-billion dollars.

Special education funding is increased by almost $42 million, to help school districts offset the cost of mandated programs. In addition, funding for vocational-technical education is increased by $1.6 million.

White noted that Senate Republicans earlier this year made a strong commitment to improving school safety. The budget reflects this commitment, boosting funding for safe schools initiatives by $21 million this year – up from $1 million last year.

Higher education also received a substantial 3 percent spending increase, with $13 million in new funding provided for universities in the State System of Higher Education. She added that almost $19 million in new money will be available for student scholarships.

The senator said she was pleased that funding initiatives she sought were approved, including expanded medical services for women, increased funding to plug abandoned oil and gas wells and continued funding for the New Choices/New Options career development programs across the state.

The spending plan also makes a major new investment in farmland preservation, tripling the funding available in 1998-1999. White said a total of $65 million is allocated for the purchase of agricultural easements.

The senator added that Senate Republicans succeeded in restoring funds for a number of important priorities, including money to provide state police protection of communities that do not have their own local forces and $46 million in sewage treatment operating grants for municipalities.

"Economically disadvantaged communities participating in the new Keystone Opportunity Zone program will also benefit from $6 million in new money," said White. "This money is targeted for infrastructure improvements in distressed areas and is badly needed in my district."

Libraries are slated to receive the largest state increase ever in Pennsylvania, White added. The new budget takes Pennsylvania from tenth to third in the nation in the amount spent on public libraries.

Since 1994, state support for public libraries has increased by $27 million – or 94 percent, she said, adding that money will be targeted for community libraries that most need assistance.

"All in all, the budget is a good balance between spending and the reserve side of good, responsible budgeting," White said.

CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684