RENDELL’S ‘AMBITIOUS’ SPENDING PLAN ADDRESSES CRISES

          HARRISBURG, February 6: State Sen. Shirley Kitchen today applauded Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed $27.3 billion 2007-08 General Fund spending plan for its ambitious goals to fix the mass-transportation crisis, increase gun control laws, expand property tax relief and make Pennsylvania more energy independent.

          “Gov. Rendell is taking notable steps to make Pennsylvania a leader among states,” Kitchen said. “While he proposes tackling a multitude issues that will, no doubt, have a direct impact on Philadelphians, I commend him for making these issues a priority.”

          During his budget address to the General Assembly today in Harrisburg, the governor outlined a number of strategies to improve Pennsylvania, including a new and innovative way to address our crumbling transportation infrastructure.

          By leasing the Turnpike and generating new revenue from excess oil company profits, the governor’s plan would create $1.7 billion annually in new revenues, without placing any additional burden on taxpayers.

          “It’s clear that we need a long-term solution to our mass transportation woes, which not only affect SEPTA riders, but everyone in Pennsylvania who relies on public transportation to get to work, school or other responsibilities,” Kitchen said. “I’m pleased that Gov. Rendell is looking to heal this statewide crisis, rather than hope for help from Washington.”

          As the number of gun victims climbs yet again this year in Philadelphia, the governor implored the General Assembly to take action by upgrading possession of a stolen gun to a felony; making it mandatory to report the loss or theft of a gun to police; enabling local communities to enact their own restrictions on the flow, distribution and use of handguns; and enacting a one handgun a month law.

          “The governor’s gun control proposals assert what I and a number of my Senate and House colleagues have believed all along —that we need tougher legislation on handguns,” Kitchen said. “It’s not just a city problem, it’s a crisis throughout the state, and I’m proud that the governor has urged us to take action on this devastating and growing dilemma.”

          The governor also recommended accelerating property tax relief and creating a strategy to permanently reduce the state’s reliance on property taxes.

          “We must continue to find ways to make property tax cuts and shift the local tax burden to a more fair system,” Kitchen said. “I credit the governor for offering this proposal and I will keep an open mind and explore all ideas.”

           Gov. Rendell’s proposed budget would also create the Energy Independence Strategy, which takes many steps to cut energy costs for consumers while expanding the state’s creation and use of alternative clean energy.