FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2008
Contact:
David Atkinson
(717) 787-6535
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- Hearing - 2 hours 35 minutes

Opening Statement by Senator Gib Armstrong

Special Budget Hearing

During our regular budget hearings the past two weeks, constant questions were asked about programs that start this budget process with less money or no money recommended for them.

Each year, there are dozens of programs and institutions for which the Governor cuts funding substantially or eliminates it entirely.  People outside state government wonder why this happens.  These programs involve modest cost, yet provide high value to the communities and regions they serve.

Administration officials routinely contend that these programs are nice but unaffordable.  In the next breath, however, they push for expensive initiatives the Governor wants.  Cutting stuff that works, to free up money for the untried, does not strike people as sensible.  This game may be a budget tradition, played by both parties, but it does not represent fairness or good budget practice.  It creates unnecessary uncertainty for these groups, for those who work for them, and for those who depend on their services.

This hearing spotlights 16 groups providing important services in education, health care, and economic development.  Most have received state funding for a decade or more.  In some cases, state money leverages substantial federal and private money.  In nearly every case, these programs fill a void.  Alternatives would surely cost more, and likely deliver less.

This is by no means a complete list.  Cuts were inflicted in other familiar areas – ag research, small business development centers, conservation districts, civil air patrol – where we will make the traditional restoration effort.

We also want to dispel the myth that programs created or funded at legislative initiative are nothing more than political pork.  To the contrary, the programs featured today produce some of the best value in the state budget, dollar-for-dollar.

So we look forward to these presentations, to hear about results delivered, to see evidence of lives changed, and to learn about what the future holds if state funding is restored once more.