Senate Approves State Budget to Boost Funding for Schools and Libraries, Add Troopers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 4, 2004
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Senate Approves State Budget to Boost Funding for Schools and Libraries, Add Troopers

Harrisburg – The State Senate early Sunday approved a compromise $22.8 billion budget package for Fiscal Year 2004-05 that includes funding increases for education and mental health and drug and alcohol services, and allocates more money for libraries and State Police, according to State Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), who voted for the fiscal plan. The Budget bill is expected to be approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law by the Governor.

"Revenues came in at $637 million over projections for the 2003-04 fiscal year, and the improved fiscal outlook allowed us to address some pressing areas in the budget," said Robbins. "This budget plan boosts assistance in vital programs in a fiscally responsible manner, one that holds the line on taxes."

The most significant increases are in the education budget. The budget includes a 3.6 percent increase in basic education for a proposed total of $4.36 billion. Special Education subsidies would increase by 2.7 percent to $929 million. House Bill 2579 set funding for Pennsylvania Accountability Grants for tutors and other assistance at $200 million