HARRISBURG, February 5, 2013 — State Sen. Judy Schwank today issued the following statement on the governor’s 2013-14 state budget address:

“Today’s budget plan did not provide a solid long-term plan for lifting up our economy. As our smaller cities and urban areas across the state continue to struggle, we should be focused on putting Pennsylvanians back to work.”

On education, Schwank said, “I’m very concerned about the governor’s plan to pass on the windfall from liquor privatization to our education system. We can’t guarantee a dollar amount at this time to our schools, many of which are desperately in need of more funding, and we shouldn’t dangle a one-time payout in front of them. Our schools need secure, sustained funds in order to maintain and improve conditions for our students. Block grants provide that extra resource, but it’s unfair to provide temporary relief by selling off our liquor stores and licenses.

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“We should focus on a better long-term vision for our education system. We need to provide students with the right tools and support to achieve and succeed while ensuring that school districts aren’t forced to make up for losses by placing the burden on property taxpayers.

“This is just the start of many conversations and debates over the state budget, and our work begins today. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to participating in budget hearings over the next few weeks to determine the best course for our state’s numerous agencies.”

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