WASHINGTON SUPPORTS SENATE DEMOCRATIC BUDGET PRIORITIES

            HARRISBURG, February 3 — At a Capitol news conference today, State Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) and her fellow Democratic senators unveiled their budget and policy priorities for this year, which includes boosting economic development programs and generating more jobs in Pennsylvania.

            “We all recognize that it is critical that a long and devastating budget impasse not be repeated,” Washington said.  “Democrats have made it clear that we are ready to start budget negotiations as soon as possible because it is vitally important to pass a balanced budget on time this year.” 

            At the news conference, Democrats said they will not support any broad based tax increases, instead, they will rely on policy changes, new program efficiencies and federal dollars to fund their priorities.

            Some of the specific issues Washington plans to focus on include: 

• passing a job development bill that leverages federal monies to help people struggling to find work, those who exhausted unemployment benefits and young people;

• establishing smarter prison policies and promoting cost-effective alternatives for non-violent offenders;

• renewing the health care agreement with the Blues to help fund the state’s adult health care insurance program (adultBasic); and

• ensuring that the state lives up to its long-term school funding commitment and adopting equitable standards to measure results and ensure student success;

            Washington added that she is looking forward to working with her colleagues in the legislature to pass a sensible, equitable spending plan before July 1.

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