Sent on behalf of Senator Pat Browne:
April 2, 2011
Dear Ms. Heston,
Thanks for taking the time to write and express your point-of-view regarding funding for higher education. I appreciate your input and will most certainly keep it in mind as budget negotiations progress. Along with my colleagues in the Senate, I am working to produce a budget that is reality-based, keeps state spending within our current revenue capacity while maintaining, to the best of our ability, essential and effective state services and programs. It is my belief that our budget must reflect the current economic climate in Pennsylvania. I know that too many of our citizens are unemployed or underemployed. Families, communities and employers are struggling to make ends meet during these difficult times.
As the budget process continues, given our significant budget deficits and a commitment not to raise taxes, we must now, more than ever, provide answers to five basic, yet very important questions:
1. What are the core functions of state government and how can we best provide for them?
2. How much money does Pennsylvania have available to spend within its current revenue capacity to provide for these core functions?
3. What is the most appropriate allocation of our available resources to adequately provide for our core state government functions?
3. What is the most efficient and effective way to deliver essential services within available funds?
4. How will Pennsylvania measure its progress and success?
The answers to these questions will determine the path that Pennsylvania must follow to a more prosperous future. The state will not move toward that prosperous future through government growth beyond current and sustainable revenue levels. In addition, I am committed to protecting Pennsylvania workers and saving private sector jobs. Pennsylvania must work toward rebuilding the state’s economy by fostering private sector investment and promoting job creation efforts. Therefore, it is essential to pass a budget that maintains, to the greatest extent possible, key support services for all of our citizens without increasing taxes.
I was very encouraged by Governor Corbett’s inaugural address. He stated: “As we turn this new page in history, Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley and I seek to chart a new course for Pennsylvania. Together, we are dedicated to leadership that is responsive to fiscal realities; leadership that takes on financial burdens, rather than passing those burdens on to the next generation; and leadership that can see beyond today’s turbulence and into tomorrow’s tranquility.”
Ultimately, I believe that working cooperatively, working together, will enable Pennsylvania to weather the current economic crisis, meet the current needs of families and seniors and set a stage for Pennsylvania to attract growth and opportunities in the future.
Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me. I will definitely consider your support for funding higher education as the budget deliberations continue.
If I can be of further service to you on other state-related matters, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Patrick M. Browne
Senator 16th District
Ellen Millard-Kern
Chief of Staff for Senator Pat Browne
Please Note New Address Effective 3/1/11
702 Hamilton St., Suite 101
Allentown, PA 18101-2471
Office Phone: 610-821-8468
Fax: 610-821-6798
Cell: 610-739-1519
www.senatorbrowne.com
The message was from his secretary and it didnt really say much to help. I was happy to know their working on their own budget to show the governor, but who knows if that will help education. I guess we'll see what happens, but it feels like a losing battle.
That's the exact same response I got from his office. Form letter. Discouraging, I agree.
ReplyDelete