Governor Corbett Discusses Budget Proposal, Praises Local Milton Business Success

Press Release

Governor Tom Corbett today discussed his 2012-13 budget proposal during a visit to Minuteman Environmental Services in Northumberland County. "I hope all of you will ask your legislators to pass the budget I proposed yesterday," said Governor Corbett. "It is built the way you build your own household budgets: you spend no more than you have. Given that the state spends your money, I think you can agree the philosophy appeals to most working Pennsylvanians."

The $27.14 billion proposal maintains Corbett's commitment to balance the state budget. The budget closes a projected revenue shortfall of more than $700 million and reduces spending by more than $20 million.

Importantly, it meets the state's pension obligations and does not raise taxes for residents or businesses.

The governor's budget focuses on five key areas: economic opportunities, education, human services, public safety and streamlining government.

"By keeping taxes low and holding down government spending, this leaves more money in the part of the economy that creates the best jobs, the free market," said Corbett.

The governor's proposed budget accomplishes the following:

*Reduces spending from last year, reducing the state government workforce by an additional 2 percent, eliminates 33 wasteful appropriations, reduces 181 additional line items and trims the state vehicle fleet by 1,200 vehicles.

Creates job opportunity by holding the line on taxes, supporting Pennsylvania's small and large businesses and focusing state efforts on workforce development and job matching.

Increases funding to basic education, continues level funding for our community colleges and universities dedicated to job placement, and creates new programs that give students incentives for training for occupations that are in high need of employees.

Levels funding for the department of corrections for the first time in a decade, increases the funding for PA Board of Probation and Parole to support transition from incarceration to community, provides funding for volunteer fire companies and provides funding for 115 state police troopers. Transforms the public welfare system by providing incentives to those who are able to transition from the welfare line to the workforce, providing real relief to our poor and safeguarding taxpayer dollars through the elimination of waste, fraud and abuse.

"I'm happy to be here to talk about jobs, the economy and how we can work together to build both," said Corbett.

Brian Bolus founded Minuteman in 1991. A decade later, he re-focused the business strictly on environmental services to the Marcellus Gas Industry. The company now distributes and assembles drill site mats, containment liners, hazardous material cleanup, frac tank services, water and dirt hauling, frac material hauling and frac site restoration. The company presently employs 143 Pennsylvania residents and expects to hire an additional 100.

"Minuteman is a home-grown, family business that is playing a large role in the economic growth of this region," said Corbett. "My budget supports small and large businesses and positions the commonwealth as a partner with companies like Minuteman in growing job opportunity for our fellow Pennsylvanians."

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