Philadelphia, Feb. 7, 2017 – City Council President Darrell L. Clarke (5th District) on Tuesday issued a statement on Governor Tom Wolf’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget proposal:
“I commend Governor Tom Wolf for once again delivering a responsible spending plan that reflects the priorities of Pennsylvania taxpayers, makes strategic investments toward a strong future, and is achievable within the bounds of current political and economic realities.
“It is imperative that every child in the Commonwealth, regardless of circumstance, has access to quality health care, nutrition, and education from birth. An additional $75 million in Pre-K and Head Start funding, $25 million more toward special education programs, $22 million in state and federal funds to expand school breakfast, and a $100 million increase for Basic Education will benefit kids, families, communities, and the economy. Philadelphia made an historically bold investment in quality pre-K and community schools last year, following an emotionally charged debate. I encourage the General Assembly to work with Governor Wolf for the good of all children and our collective future.
“I also applaud Governor Wolf’s leadership on behalf of workers. A minimum wage increase to $12 an hour will help keep tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians out of poverty. Government should support a strong middle class, not enable corporate welfare.
“This budget makes Pennsylvania’s tax structure fairer because it eliminates corporate tax loopholes, follows other natural gas-producing states in imposing a severance tax, and asks municipalities without local law enforcement to pay their fair share for state police services. I look forward to working with the Governor and the Philadelphia Delegation toward a final budget that positions our City and Commonwealth for growth.”
# # #
Council President Darrell L. Clarke is serving his second term as the President of Philadelphia City Council. He represents Philadelphia’s 5th Council District. More information at phlcouncil.com/DarrellClarke
