Stay Informed!

Josephs: legislation is a good first step toward sensible spending plan

HARRISBURG, May 23 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs today voted for a 2007-08 state budget bill that includes no tax increase. The House of Representatives passed the bill, sending it to the Senate.

"The legislation we passed today is a good starting point for developing a responsible and sensible state spending plan," Josephs said. "I will continue to work with the governor, House leadership and my colleagues to establish a budget that will enhance quality of life for my constituents as well as improve access to health care for all Pennsylvanians and ensure good stewardship of the environment."

Josephs also joined with the majority of her colleagues in the House yesterday to block a Republican amendment (166-31) that would have changed the spending plan's priorities, a change she felt would not have addressed Pennsylvanians' needs.

"The amendment offered by Representative Mario Civera did not account for many human service programs to meet the increasing needs of mentally handicapped children, the disabled and the poor.

"His proposal would have changed the perspective of this plan that House Democrats have crafted with the governor to address the issues Pennsylvanians care about, including health-care reform, property tax cuts, transportation, education and energy independence," Josephs said.

"It was important to get the ball rolling so that we could continue to work on fashioning the 2007-08 budget in time for the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1. I will continue to work with the governor and House leaders to craft a responsible budget for the 2007-08 fiscal year."