Negotiations for Pennsylvania’s 2009-10 budget are ongoing, and I know some of the proposals that have been introduced are worrisome. In fact, I’ve received numerous letters and calls from concerned organizations and constituents. I’ve also been hosting community meetings to give citizens the latest news on the budget. I want to let you know that I appreciate your input. It gives me motivation to fight even harder for your needs on the Senate floor.

I will continue to keep my constituents updated on everything that’s going on in the 8th district and in Harrisburg. Meanwhile, I hope everyone is enjoying a relaxing and safe summer.

Remember that you can now follow me on Twitter @SenTonyWilliams or view the SenTonyWilliams YouTube Channel.

Sincerely, ANTHONY H. WILLIAMS PA SENATE - 8TH DISTRICT

Construction Begins on Route 13 Improvement Project

Sen. Anthony H. Williams is pleased to report that construction has begun on a major project to improve a particularly dangerous and deadly corridor along Route 13 in Delaware County.

PennDOT is installing a closed loop traffic signal system that will connect the signals for all 37 intersections through Collingdale, Darby, Folcroft, Glenolden, Norwood, Prospect Park, Ridley Park, and Sharon Hill via fiber-optic cables, allowing each municipality to have computerized control. There will also be pedestrian-friendly improvements, including the replacement of existing traffic signal mast arms, signal heads, and signal hardware, in addition to the retiming and optimization of the signals. Crosswalks, curb ramps, and pedestrian signals will also be installed.

Following the tragic death of 16-year-old Faith Sinclair, a pedestrian who was struck and killed by a motorist at one of the intersections, Williams hosted a series of community meetings in conjunction with borough officials from Sharon Hill and Collingdale and PennDOT engineers to discuss potential improvements.

Lane shifts and shoulder closures will be in place to assist with the intersection improvements but no road closures or detours will be needed.

The project is expected to be completed by January 2011.
 

State Budget at an Impasse

Sen. Anthony H. Williams has been receiving a lot of feedback from the community about the stalled 2009-10 Pennsylvania budget. Many people realize the impact that various budget proposals will have, and they are valid in asking their elected officials to restore critical funding to their programs.

Right now, the governor and General Assembly are still negotiating a 2009-10 Pennsylvania budget that will fill our $3.2 billion deficit while imposing the least impact on critical services and programs. There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of a tax increase and cuts to vital state services and programs.

“Like you, I’m outraged at any suggestion of cuts to our hospitals, our schools, and our programs that help the most vulnerable citizens,” Williams said.

“In May, my Democratic colleagues and I unanimously rejected the Republican budget (Senate Bill 850), which proposes broad and deep cuts to so many important programs,” Williams said. “We have continued to criticize this legislation through July because of the devastating impact it will have on all Pennsylvanians.”
 

Williams Offers ‘STR8 TALK’ on State Budget

Sen. Anthony H. Williams has been hosting community discussions to talk about the impact of the 2009-10 state budget, particularly the possible funding cuts to vital programs and services.

The next “STR8 TALK” community meeting will take place tonight, July 14 at 6:15 p.m. at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 740 S. 17th St. in South Philadelphia, and on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:15 p.m. at Norwood Borough Hall, 10 W. Cleveland Ave. in Norwood, Pa.

“Everyone needs to understand how the budget will impact them,” Williams said. “We are looking at deep budget cuts in this economy, but I also want to give the community a voice in this process, because they are the ones who will feel these cuts the most.”