Budget Outlook

The 2012-13 fiscal year ends this week and budget negotiations for the new fiscal year are underway.  While there are several major issues on the table including state store privatization, pension reform and transportation funding that would add to budget expenditures, my primary focus will remain passing a state budget that is fiscally responsible while at the same time investing in essential programs and services without raising any broad based taxes. 

I look forward to hearing from my constituents about issues that are important to them. At the same time I want to remind citizens that language in many of these pieces of legislation will change drastically over these next several days so I will remain open minded until the Legislature is ready to vote.

As always, I will remain an advocate for education funding, human services programs and job-creation legislation.  In addition, I will continue to secure funding for programs that will benefit and enhance the Pittsburgh region so that my district will have many more opportunities in the future to shine.