FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Ken Smith D-Lackawanna www.pahouse.com/kSmith

Smith lauds passage of 2008-09 state budget

HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Ken Smith, D-Lackawanna, released the following statement reacting to the 2008-09 state budget passed by the General Assembly:

"Even though the national economy is making this a challenging budget year, we were able to prevent a tax increase and still help families in my district and across Pennsylvania. We were able to increase funding for specific components of the budget that matter to northeastern Pennsylvania, such as education, water and sewer infrastructure and bridge repairs. We have had our fair share of water and sewer problems, so these allocations are welcome news for funding projects in our area.

"I am however, disappointed that workers in the mental health profession did not receive an adequate cost-of-living increase to keep up with the cost of inflation.

"Our PACE and PACENET prescription-drug programs for senior citizens have been expanded to increase the income threshold so that more applicants in my district can qualify. It is also important to many people in my district that additional funding is being allocated for the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program for residents who need help paying their heating and electric bills."

###rrc/2008/agh
l:'print'releases' budget.112