Governor Corbett in his budget is addressing a lot of politically hot topics that are creating controversy. And that could be seen today in the Capitol before and after the Governor delivered his budget.
Governor Corbett:
"Great challenges must be met if we are to continue strengthening our Commonwealth and fulfill the promise of a brighter future for all Pennsylvanian's."
Today in the Capitol, Governor Corbett presented his budget for the upcoming year. While it is balanced and doesn't increase sales or income tax, it is creating a lot of controversy. And one of the issues is education. In his budget, the Governor calls for an increase in funding for public schools by $90,000,000 while maintaining spending levels for higher education. He also wants to create a passport for learning block grant worth $1,000,000,000 over the next four years from the sale of state liquor stores.
But protesters say selling liquor is not a core function of government.
Kimberly Washington, Protester:
"Corbett is just sitting back cutting funds, making more prisons to put our children in. If we don't educate them they will be there."
The Union Food and Commercial workers which represent state liquor stores also had a strong presence. They claim the Governor is wrong that privatizing liquor stores will increase availability and bring in more money to the state.
Wandell Young, UFCW Local 1776:
"This is all about political gamesmanship because his poll numbers are low and he's trying to do and say anything to juice up his numbers at the expense of Pennsylvanian's."
One more important note from the Governor budget address, he said he has sent a letter to the federal government saying the state will not comply with the demands of the Affordable Care Act. He said the state simply can't afford it. From here the budget goes to the House and Senate where parts of it will be challenged. It's due by midnight on June 30th.
Governor Corbett:
"Great challenges must be met if we are to continue strengthening our Commonwealth and fulfill the promise of a brighter future for all Pennsylvanian's."
Today in the Capitol, Governor Corbett presented his budget for the upcoming year. While it is balanced and doesn't increase sales or income tax, it is creating a lot of controversy. And one of the issues is education. In his budget, the Governor calls for an increase in funding for public schools by $90,000,000 while maintaining spending levels for higher education. He also wants to create a passport for learning block grant worth $1,000,000,000 over the next four years from the sale of state liquor stores.
But protesters say selling liquor is not a core function of government.
Kimberly Washington, Protester:
"Corbett is just sitting back cutting funds, making more prisons to put our children in. If we don't educate them they will be there."
The Union Food and Commercial workers which represent state liquor stores also had a strong presence. They claim the Governor is wrong that privatizing liquor stores will increase availability and bring in more money to the state.
Wandell Young, UFCW Local 1776:
"This is all about political gamesmanship because his poll numbers are low and he's trying to do and say anything to juice up his numbers at the expense of Pennsylvanian's."
One more important note from the Governor budget address, he said he has sent a letter to the federal government saying the state will not comply with the demands of the Affordable Care Act. He said the state simply can't afford it. From here the budget goes to the House and Senate where parts of it will be challenged. It's due by midnight on June 30th.