House Democrats today criticized Gov. Tom Corbett and Republicans in the legislature for proposing a state budget that would make severe cuts to critical education and health care programs while refusing to use any of the state’s burgeoning surplus to ease the pain.
"House Republicans plan to introduce a budget this week that cuts basic education and higher education by hundreds of millions of dollars, and they will take even more from vital health programs in the name of ‘restoring’ money to schools," said Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny).
"Republican budget cuts will lead to property tax hikes and even higher college tuition. It doesn’t have to be this way. The state is collecting revenue that can be put to use now, but Republicans and the governor want to put that in the Rainy Day Fund," Rep. Dermody said.
Appropriations Committee Democratic Chairman Joe Markosek (D-Allegheny) noted state revenue in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year is $506 million ahead of estimate. Standard budgeting procedure says that excess revenue becomes part of next year’s revenue base, meaning new funds in excess of $1 billion for the 2011-12 budget.
"The cuts to universities will force tuition hikes for Pennsylvania students, and may even cause some institutions to close, all while Governor Corbett pursues a plan to lower business taxes even more," said Democratic Whip Mike Hanna (D-Centre).
"It’s time for House Republicans to stand up and be counted. A 30 or 40 percent restoration for basic education still deserves an F," said Education Committee Democratic Chairman James Roebuck (D-Philadelphia). "Do House Republicans stand with the governor who wants to hoard a large surplus or do they stand with the children who are counting on us to fund education?"
Democratic Caucus Secretary Jennifer Mann (D-Lehigh) focused on the links between education, economic development and jobs.
"Cutting schools and community colleges is a false short-term savings that causes long-term damage," said Rep. Mann. "Cutting money to education at all levels will drive job creators looking for an educated workforce to other states."
Caucus Chairman Dan Frank (D-Allegheny) noted the continuing refusal of Republicans to resuscitate the adultBasic health insurance program and their threats to cut hospital and nursing home funds.
"The governor and House Republicans plan to put hundreds of millions into the Rainy Day Fund instead of meeting basic needs. It’s wrong to lock life preservers and ropes away in a closet when so many people are struggling just to keep their heads above water," Rep. Frankel said.
"House Republican leaders have adopted the governor’s mindset that the state budget should reflect the needs of corporate friends rather than Pennsylvanians," said Democratic Policy Chairman Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster).
"The House Democrats believe that approach is flawed and that setting money aside in the Rainy Day Fund for future corporate handouts like bonus depreciation rather than the needs of Pennsylvania’s children, seniors and people with disabilities is an irresponsible use of the Commonwealth’s resources," Rep. Sturla said.
House Republicans indicate they will introduce budget legislation this week and bring it up for a House vote before the end of May.
