SEN. KITCHEN STATEMENT ON PASSAGE OF 2010-11 STATE BUDGET

HARRISBURG, JULY 2, 2010 — State Sen. Shirley Kitchen issued the following statement regarding the passage of the 2010-11 Pennsylvania budget:

 “This was not an easy year to negotiate a balanced budget, but I’m pleased that it passed on time with no tax increases,” Kitchen said. “Despite painful cuts to this year’s budget, basic education funding received a $250 million boost.

“Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed, and thanks to the governor’s commitment to education, our youngsters are a priority in this budget,” Kitchen said. “We should never shortchange our children, even in a recession.

“I want to applaud School District of Philadelphia Superintendant Arlene Ackerman for her leadership in improving the Philadelphia education system. Under Dr. Ackerman, the school district may be finally turning the corner,” Kitchen said. “Between the increased state funding and the leadership of Dr. Ackerman, public school children in Philadelphia are receiving the positive attention they deserve.

“Sadly, we had to make across-the-board cuts to many programs that Pennsylvanians depend on,” Kitchen said. “In trying economic times, people rely on these services more. To cut funding to these programs is detrimental to our most vulnerable citizens and a disservice to people in need.

“I’m extremely disappointed in the lack of funding for many health and social service programs. Specifically, the New Directions program, which gives employment training to welfare recipients to help them become self-sufficient, was slashed by $21.3 million. This type of funding is an investment in our economy and an investment in citizens who want to work. We’re cutting this funding in an economic time when we need this type of program the most.

“In addition, this budget cuts library funds by more than $5 million. Libraries are crucial in many communities where individuals who enjoy borrowing books or who don’t own computers or have access to the Internet. They’re also a haven for many school children, who go to libraries to do their homework assignments and projects in peace. By cutting library funding, we’re cutting off access to information to so many adults and children alike.

“Cuts to important health programs, like our state health care centers, newborn screenings, breast and cervical cancer screenings and AIDS programs will have a disproportionate impact on poor and rural communities,” Kitchen said. “For some people, we’re cutting their lifeline.

“Also, funding for Early Intervention services to children ages 0-3 was cut by $6.5 million. Demand is increasing for these services because the number of children with special needs is growing. Early Intervention provides our infants and toddlers and their parents with the support they need to help these children in their development and prepare them for school. If we invest in infants and toddlers with special needs now, we can save money on long-term support services provided by schools.”

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