Harrisburg, PA (WBNG Binghamton) Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett proposes his budget as a "Path to Prosperity." That path is lined with cuts for some, and an increase in funding for others.
There will be no tax hikes to support this nearly $27 billion budget. But, there will be cuts to schools.
Corbett's solution to fiscal shortfalls at home and in Harrisburg is to create jobs -- and keep them.
"State government has less revenue because our citizens have less for themselves," the Republican said.
So, Corbett's first priority is encouraging job growth. He wants the workforce to grow with a growing industry in the Northern Tier.
"If we are going to harvest our resources, let's make certain Pennsylvania hands are working the machinery of industry," Corbett said.
It's one path the Governor sees to cutting the Keystone State's unemployment lines, along with limiting funding for public assistance.
"The best route from the welfare line is to the work line by focusing on job creation. There is no other sensible way," Corbett said.
An advisory panel will determine how to best spend money for higher education, though state schools will see less.
The Governor said, "we need to have a thorough, public and candid conversation about how best to deal with the spiraling costs and our own obligations."
Local school districts will see about the same, coming in the form of block grants. Corbett asks for new Keystone Exams for high school students.
Like Andrew Cuomo's proposal for New York schools, Corbett calls for new teacher evaluations.
"We need to instill that faith in every school in the state," Governor Corbett said. "Every school in Pennsylvania should be our best."
Corbett's budget also rations nearly $8 million for a new class of 115 cadets to the state police force. There had been a hiring freeze for Troopers. It's expected that there will be five hundred State Police vacancies by next June.
Wednesday, we'll hear some local reaction to the plan for education spending.
Twitter
Facebook