GOVERNOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL "DESTRUCTIVE"

By Shane V. Richardson

State House Candidate Richardson Comments on Today's Budget Announcement

"Republicans are putting the interests of big corporations above the interests of hard-working, middle-class families, the working poor and seniors. In York County, residents are at their breaking points and can not take more cuts. Still the Governor recklessly continues to propose a budget on the backs of all us."

"In 2011, we witnessed one of the most destructive budgets to come out of Harrisburg in years," states Richardson. "The cuts to our schools in York County have forced the districts to make some difficult cuts in personnel and programs. The state and especially York County can not afford to take another blow like it did in 2011. It is shameful how the York County Republican delegation to the state house, including Keith Gillespie, lined up directly behind Corbett in supporting last year's budget and they will surely do it again in 2012."

"Cuts to state colleges, including my alma mater of Millersville University, mean some families will be forced to look at their bank accounts to decide whether college is an option. Families who consider sending their sons and daughters as the first generation of college students may not be able to watch their sons and daughters go off to school in the fall. These are the tough decisions the Governor is ignoring and is placing instead on York Countians and all Pennsylvanians alike."

As for basic education, Richardson feels the Governor did not do enough. "On paper, it will appear the Governor is increasing funding to local districts across the state. In fact, when you look at the increase of $343 million spread among 500 districts in PA, that equates to roughly $669,000 per district. This may seem like a lot, but actually only covers the cost increases most schools incur each year. Essentially, the Governor is providing even funding to schools across the Commonwealth and, as was made apparent this year, this is not enough for many schools to survive."