Gov. Rendell this week proposed a $23.8 billion General Fund budget that included a two percent Corporate Net Income Tax decrease, $101 million in new spending for higher education, and the Growing Greener II environmental spending initiative he asked the General Assembly to pass last year.

Rendell said the recent Green PA Plan proposed by House Republicans offers “some new ideas.”

“But best of all it recognizes that we must significantly invest in cleaning and preserving our environment now,” said Gov. Rendell. “I look forward to working with the House and the Senate in the weeks ahead to reach a consensus on this initiative. But it is time to give the voters a voice in this debate, too, by asking for their support of these environmental initiatives this spring at the polls.”

“We can meet this deadline, but we must act together now. The Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund faces a complete shutdown for lack of funds. Likewise, without action this July we must significantly cut the funds used to preserve farmland. Our state is littered with polluted abandoned industrial sites that choke economic growth, and acid mine drainage that stains our rivers and streams.

“Growing Greener II must be enacted to address these critical issues and help maintain our treasured natural assets. I urge us all to remain focused on the goals we share across party lines to repair and preserve our environment and enact this vitally important legislation no later than March 17th so it can be voted on in the May election.”
Here are some notes on individual agency budgets.

Department of Environmental Protection

· Overall budget would increase to $660.7 million, from $625.4 million for the current year, primarily due to $46.8 million in proposed Growing Greener II spending. DEP’s total budget in fiscal 2002-03 was $728.2 million (about half the difference is due to eliminating one program— the Act 339 sewage operating grants).

· $5.2 million Black Fly Control Program eliminated

· $7.5 million Safe Water Projects eliminated (legislative initiative)

· $900,000 cut for Conservation District funding (between the DEP and Agriculture budgets)

· Work on Act 220 Water Resources Plan cut back to data collection

· $5 million of $10 million included for payback of Underground Storage Tank Indemnification Fund.

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

· Overall budget would decrease to $284 million, from $297 million for the current year, even with an increase from the Growing Greener II spending proposal. DCNR’s total budget in fiscal 2002-03 was $322.9 million.

· $1.8 million Forest Land Beautification Program eliminated.

· General Government, State Park and State Forest Operations were trimmed $1 or $2 million each.

Fish & Boat Commission

· Overall budget decreased slightly to $45.8 million, from $46.6 million for the current year. Fish & Boat’s budget in 2002-03 was $43.3 million.

Game Commission

· Overall budget would increase slightly to $68.9 million, from $68.8 million for the current year. Game Commission’s budget in 2002-03 was $68.4 million.

The Governor’s Budget Address and background on major pieces of the budget proposal can be found at the Governor’s 2005-06 Executive Budget webpage. Information on previous state budgets can be found on the Office of the Budget webpage.

NewsClips: Environmental Cuts Portent Austere Year

Budget Underscores Commitment to Growing Greener II

2/11/2005