PA. Dems Propose Alternative Budget With More Money for Schools, Less for Corporate Tax Cuts

[JPZenger]

Last edited Tue Jun 4, 2013, 10:16 AM - Edit history (1)

However, this alternative budget has no chance of passage because the Dems are outnumbered in both the House and the Senate because of extremely creative borders of districts. They segregated all the minorities, city residents and other Dems into a few districts, so the Repubs could have the majority in most of the districts.

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=482679

http://www.pasenate.com/?p=14777

The Democratic Senate Plan would delay the Republican corporate tax cuts, increase funding for distressed school districts, modernize the liquor system instead of selling it, and accept the federal offer to pay for an expansion of medical assistance to serve additional low income Pa. residents.

Excerpt:

"... the Senate Democratic budget alternative utilizes funds generated from liquor modernization, savings from the expansion of Medicaid and a one-year freeze in the phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax to produce a reasonable spending plan.

“By agreeing to expand Medicaid, modernize liquor distribution and freeze the phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax for one year we can responsibly generate funds and make a real difference,” Hughes said. “These policy decisions are not difficult and the governor should step up and agree to move Pennsylvania in a new direction.”

Hughes said the plan includes $9 million to hire 300 State Troopers and $8 million for the Attorney General that will be used to combat gang violence, illegal firearms and drugs.

Costa said other highlights of the plan include $39 million in new funds for distressed schools, an additional $50 million for Accountability Block Grants and other classroom assistance for a total of $150 million plus $84 million for a Charter Development Program.

[PRETZEL]

1. Yep, no chance in hell

any of these initiatives are ever going to see the light of day.