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For Immediate Release
December 20, 2003
Senator White Supports Compromise
to End Budget Impasse
Harrisburg – State Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango) today voted to
support a budget package that will release long-awaited funds to area
school districts.
"No vote to increase the burden on taxpayers is easy," said White.
"After nearly six months of impasse, I think we reached the best deal
possible. This budget spends less – and taxes significantly less – than
the budget proposed by Governor Rendell and passed by the House of
Representatives."
In exchange for a modest increase in the personal income tax to 3.07%,
Governor Rendell agreed to defer spending on new educational programs
until next school year. The Senate-brokered deal reduces the Governor's
plan for new spending from more than $550 million to $175 million, and
gives school districts needed flexibility on how to spend the money.
Governor Rendell originally proposed increasing the personal income tax
to 3.75%.
Senator White said she voted for this package for several reasons: it
offers malpractice insurance relief to health care providers, provides a 3% basic and 4.5%
special education subsidy increase, reimburses schools for borrowing
costs incurred during the impasse, restores critical funds to drug,
alcohol, human service and other programs and addresses the
Commonwealth’s structural deficit. The package also releases funds to
the state system and state-related universities.
"This is not an ideal budget. Few ever are. But I am proud of my
caucus," said White. "We stood firm and negotiated in good faith to
reach the best deal possible for taxpayers. Once we do so, we must come
together to put this budget impasse behind us. Today’s vote fulfills
that responsibility."
The House of Representatives is expected to consider the budget package
early next week.
CONTACT:
Leigh Ramsey (717) 787-9684 | 
