HARRISBURG, December 7th, 2015 − Senator Vincent Hughes released the following statement on Senate passage of Senate Bill 1073, a bipartisan state budget compromise:
“I am thankful that the Pennsylvania Senate has come together and passed a compromise bill to end the budget stalemate that has gripped Pennsylvania for more than 150 days. I am also happy to report that the budget passed by the Senate today provides a historic increase in funding for public education. It contains a $350 million increase for basic education, $50 million for special education, and $78 million in new funding for higher education. These are important investments in our future that are sorely needed.
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“Senate Democrats, working with Governor Tom Wolf and Senate Republicans, have put together a $30.5 billion budget that will get dollars flowing again to our schools, social service agencies, and local governments.
“The budget compromise passed by the Senate today also makes significant strides towards restoring cuts in job creation, economic development, and social services that occurred during the previous four years. I am grateful that Senators on both sides of the aisle see the wisdom of funding these programs.”
“It is now time for our colleagues in the State House to join in this bipartisan compromise. The people of Pennsylvania are rightly frustrated with this budget standoff. The finish line is within reach, but compromise and bipartisanship must prevail.
Senator Vincent Hughes represents the 7th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. He is also the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.