Governor Corbett Unveils 2011-12 Budget

HARRISBURG – Yesterday, Governor Tom Corbett presented his 2011-12 budget to the state legislature – a budget he claims is balanced and does not raise taxes for the residents of Pennsylvania.

“I’m proposing something we haven’t had in a long time: a reality-based budget,’’ Corbett said in a release. “To the people of Pennsylvania, the taxpayers who sent us here, I want to say something you haven’t heard often enough from this building: We get the picture. It’s your money.’’

Specifically, the new, $27.3 billion budget focuses on improving four key elements: fiscal discipline, free enterprise, limited government and reform.

According to a statement, the new budget cuts government spending by 3 percent, mostly by consolidating programs, targeting inefficiencies and reducing or eliminating discretionary financial grants.

The release states the budget maintains, and in some cases expands, programs to protect its people and provide services, including care for the commonwealth’s neediest citizens, supporting our State Police and military troops as well as making schools safer for our children.

According to Corbett, incentives will be offered to encourage growth and improvements in Pennsylvania’s business communities and education system. Facing a $4.16 billion deficit, some programs supported by the state for years were cut.

For more information, see the attached PDF documents, which include Corbett's budget address and budget press release.