SEN. MELLOW STATEMENT ON RENDELL BUDGET HARRISBURG, February 5, 2007 – State Senate Democratic Leader Robert J. Mellow (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) today provided the following statement on the Governor’s budget proposal: “At a time when neighboring states are weighing massive tax hikes just to make ends meet, I am thrilled that Pennsylvania is positioned to reduce property taxes and stave off the threat of recession with a targeted stimulus and public works investment strategy. “I commend the Governor for continuing to try and stoke our economy, help our businesses succeed and create more jobs. Clearly, the reasonable approach that was taken to budgeting last year in preparing for economic uncertainty will now pay big dividends for Pennsylvania. “The governor also deserves praise for his dogged insistence that the General Assembly tackle critical problems ranging from making health care more available and accessible, to developing a comprehensive alternative energy plan. As Senate Democratic Leader, I can assure you that we are on board and ready to work cooperatively with Republicans to hammer out lasting solutions to these problems. “Finally, I salute the Governor for proposing an additional $465 million in basic education dollars that would improve the quality of our schools while minimizing any local need for property tax hikes. “In this final year of the legislative session, we must leave political gamesmanship behind as we work with the Governor to finalize bipartisan solutions to our greatest challenges.” # # #