Salisbury supports governor’s budget proposals to bolster education, infrastructure, historically disadvantaged small businesses

Rep. Abigail Salisbury    February 8, 2024 | 12:06 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep Abigail Salisbury today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address:

“Many of the governor’s proposals resonated with me, including his proposals for greater investment in our public schools and in our historically disadvantaged small businesses.

“I share the governor’s concerns about the urgency of implementing a fair and constitutional school funding formula that levels the playing field once and for all for students in all ZIP codes. I believe his proposal for a $1.1 billion increase in basic education funding is a needed investment, and I agree that we need a realistic formula for funding cyber charters, so they don’t continue draining needed dollars from our brick and mortar public schools.

“I strongly support the governor’s proposed investments in the free universal school breakfast program and in a summer food service program – which recognizes that hunger and nutritional needs don’t end with the school year – and in ensuring our kids have safe schools free of asbestos, mold or other toxic hazards. I also believe the governor’s proposed investment of $100 million for K-12 student mental health funding is among the most important we can make.

“As a small business owner, I was excited to hear the governor’s proposal for a direct investment in historically disadvantaged small businesses – which will help jumpstart many of our downtown business districts – and his proposals for greater investment in infrastructure and public transit.

“I support the governor’s proposal to raise the minimum wage and share his exasperation with a system that leaves Pennsylvania workers among the lowest paid in the nation, even as all our neighboring states continue to raise their wages.

“I also support the governor’s proposed $100 million investment to reduce gun violence and expand resources to better prosecute gun crimes, help survivors of gun violence and protect at-risk nonprofit groups and houses of worship.

“Finally, it’s important to me that these proposed investments would not add any new taxes and would leave a healthy surplus in our state treasury to ensure that we are prepared for any future emergencies.”