State Rep. Jeanne McNeill said she applauds the historic $1.1 billion increase in education funding that was part of the bipartisan budget deal which passed the House of Representatives today. “Making investments in education means making investments in Pennsylvania’s future and I am pleased to see such a truly historic investment in education in this year’s state budget,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This funding will help ensure every student has a chance to succeed. The state budget process is never easy but spending plans like this one do not come that often. To be able to support these programs and still set aside funding in the state’s Rainy Day Fund for emergencies means this is a great deal for Pennsylvania and I am proud to support it,” said McNeill.

Rep. Bob Freeman said, “On the whole it was a very good budget. We did see a significant increase in funding for education – over $850 million and $200 million for school safety and mental health. That should help school districts considerably, particularly our most needy districts, including Bethlehem and Allentown. We didn’t get everything I wanted for environmental programs but we did get money to clean up the Susquehanna River and for state parks. We got $140 million of federal stimulus money for a one-time property tax rebate and a child care tax credit.” Freeman did say he wished other initiatives had received additional funding, but it was good to put some money away in a rainy day fund.

Rep. Steve Samuelson is pleased about the education spending, which he says amounts to the largest ever increase for BASD. “This is a significant step toward fair funding,” he said, while explaining half the $200 million for special education and mental health goes beyond school for adults and other members of the community. He is also enthusiastic about the property tax rebate program, supplements for eligible seniors and others who receive Social Security benefits, and renters. He said this can help over 400,000 Pennsylvanians and encourages residents to contact his office for additional information.