Robbins: Senate to Thoroughly Review Governor's Budget Proposal

Robbins Interested in Science Education Initiatives

Harrisburg – Today, Governor Rendell issued his 2006-07 Budget proposal, marking the start of the process for adopting a state budget. "The Senate will thoroughly review all facets of the Governor's $25.4 billion budget in the coming weeks prior to voting on it," said Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

Overall, the Governor's budget would increase spending by $1.16 billion, or 4.77 percent. "I have a real concern that this proposal would increase spending too extensively," said Robbins. "I am cosponsoring the 'Taxpayer Fairness Act,' which would limit spending to the rate of inflation, which is 3.47 percent. Ultimately, this legislation would provide prudent and needed spending controls."

In regard to Education, the Governor proposes a five percent increase in Basic Education spending (up $224.6 million) for a total of $4.7 billion. Special Education funding is proposed to increase by 4 percent (up $38 million) for a total of $991 million. Additionally, the Governor proposed spending $75.5 million on Public Libraries.

Included in the Governor's Budget is a Science Education proposal. "As the sponsor of Senate Bill 414, which would establish into law the highly popular 'Science in Motion' program, I would like to see how these two programs can work together to provide all students with a solid foundation in science," said Robbins. "It is important to note that for $2 million, Science in Motion touches 280 schools, while the Governor's proposal would spend $10 million and only affect 150 schools."

"Another area that I am pleased that the Governor has recognized is funding to add 90 new State Troopers," said Robbins. "This will assist in the fight against methamphetamine in Pennsylvania. I will soon introduce two bills which would provide further tools to law enforcement against this deadly drug."

Additionally, $25 million in funding for Volunteer Fire Departments would be restored in the 2005-06 fiscal year as well as $25 million in 2006-07. "I am looking forward to expedited action on this front," said Sen. Robbins.

Meanwhile, the Tobacco Settlement Fund, created in 2001 through a bipartisan effort, would undergo a radical change under the Governor's Budget. "In effect, the administration wants to 'borrow' $500 million from the Fund's future revenues for scientific research," said Robbins. "This is not the first time that this Governor has suggested borrowing to pay for his programs. In fact, he proposes a $140 million, or 20 percent, increase in debt service. This would bring Pennsylvania's total debt to nearly $852.7 million. We need to be extremely careful in terms of taking on too much debt."

"Although I was disappointed that the Governor vetoed a bill that would cut the Personal Income Tax (PIT) and provided relief to job creators, I am supportive of efforts in this budget to continue the phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax as well as increase the annual cap on Net Operating Loss carryovers," said Robbins. "Overall, it's encouraging that the Governor did not attempt to raise taxes in this budget. But it does include a lot of spending at which we will have to take a closer look."

CONTACT:

Mike Hengst
(717) 787-1322