Painter Says Republican Budget Fails on Education, Property Taxes

This press release was provided by Rep. Mark Painter's office.

State Rep. Mark Painter said the 2013-14 state budget deserves a failing grade because it does not restore education funding levels to pre-Tom Corbett levels and therefore will lead to higher school property taxes.

"My constituents have been adamant that property tax relief is their top priority and I could not in good conscience vote for $28 billion in state spending that is sure to produce even higher property taxes in Montgomery County. That is simply unacceptable," said Painter, D-Montgomery.

"This was my first run-through with the state budget and it was disappointing to see the House Republican majority completely shut out Democratic leaders from the process. We represent nearly 5 million Pennsylvanians and our concerns for better education funding, expanded senior citizen programs and health care for thousands of our most vulnerable citizens were completely ignored by the Republican leaders."

Painter said school districts in the 146th Legislative District have raised property taxes, laid off teachers and cut curriculum due to the nearly $1 billion the state cut from basic education statewide since the 2010-11 fiscal year.

Under the Corbett administration, overall state contributions have been cut by $743,697 (8.7 percent cut) to the Pottsgrove School District, $1.43 million (13.1 percent cut) to the Pottstown School District and $902,996 (9.2 percent cut) to the Spring-Ford School District, according to figures from the Democratic staff of the House Appropriations Committee.

"House Democrats had a better budget alternative, but the Republicans used a parliamentary move to rule it out of order. Had we been able to offer that plan, school districts would have started on a three-year plan to fully restored funding. Unfortunately, the budget that was signed by Governor Corbett will lead to increased school property taxes," he said.