Dinniman, Senate Approve Budget
with No Tax Increases
Frugal Budget Focuses on Investments in Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2010

CONTACT: MARTIN INDARS     
PHONE: 610-692-2112     
mindars@pasenate.com 

WEST CHESTER (June 30) - State Senator Andy Dinniman on Wednesday joined Senate colleagues in approving a state budget that protects families and businesses by holding the line on taxes.

Expected to be approved by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the governor, the budget package makes up for declining state tax revenues by cutting spending within various state agencies.

“In these economically difficult times, this is a fair and prudent budget that does not raise taxes,” Dinniman said. “Where it does provide additional funding is in education and in economic development - both crucial to getting us out of this economic downturn.”

State funding to local school districts will increase by $250 million for the upcoming school year. When the Commonwealth increases its funding for local school districts, it makes it easier for school boards to hold the line on local property taxes. Dinniman and fellow senators were also able to restore planned cuts in Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which serves alternative public schools and private schools.

The total state budget will be approximately $28 billion, including more than $2.75 billion in federal stimulus funds.

For more details, contact Martin Indars in Senator Dinniman’s office at 1-610-692-2112 or at mindars@pasenate.com.

-30-