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Josephs: budget emphasis on education and access to health care important

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., said she is pleased with Gov. Ed Rendell's plans for Pennsylvania as outlined in today's 2008-09 state budget address.

Rendell proposed a $28.3 billion budget, an increase of $1.1 billion, or 4.2 percent, over 2007-08, with education and health care as two of the state's priorities.

"This budget proposal is low-growth, but public education would receive more than 40 percent of the overall increase. A recent study has shown that the state underfunds public education, and this is a step towards changing that status," said Josephs, who chairs the House State Government Committee.

"Properly funding education is vital to our children, their future and Pennsylvania's future, which is why I'm pleased the School District of Philadelphia would receive an additional $86 million in new funding, an increase of 6 percent over current funding, under this budget proposal.

"Public libraries, which also have a hand in educating our children, also would benefit, receiving a 2 percent increase in funding, for a total of $77.3 million, the largest amount ever in state support.

"Access to affordable health care also is important for the state. Currently, 800,000 Pennsylvanians lack health insurance, and as a result, we all pay for that uncompensated care in the form of higher insurance premiums. We can't afford to do nothing, which is why I am glad to see the governor propose taxing cigarettes and other tobacco products to expand access to health care. I have been advocating that for years, not only to help fund health care, but also to reduce youth smoking. Studies have shown that increasing the cost of cigarettes and other tobacco products discourages youth from smoking."

Josephs, who also serves as a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, also noted that the governor's budget proposal includes $3 million in funding to help farmers with crop insurance premiums.

"Our farms are essential not only to our health but also the state's economic viability, so this funding would help our farmers weather the storm, literally, and other meteorological conditions.

"These are viable proposals, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and the governor to enact them as part of the 2008-09 state budget."