Substantive Budget Talks to Begin in Harrisburg; Surplus Growing
From the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania
With legislative budget experts now saying that the state surplus at the end of the 2004/ 05 fiscal year will be at least $500 million, legislative leaders and the Governor’s office are gearing up for substantive budget talks in Harrisburg. Lawmakers face a June 30 deadline for crafting a state spending plan for the 2005/06 fiscal year that begins on July 1.
The anticipated surplus has Tech Council President and CEO, Kelly Lewis, and other business and legislative leaders calling for an increase in the state’s IT funding in next year’s budget, as well as the elimination of the onerous cell phone tax, that is hindering the rollout of one of the most important technology innovations in history.
“We believe Pennsylvania must be the technology leader in order for our citizens and companies to compete nationally and globally. Technology leadership and economic power are forever linked. Accordingly, we believe Pennsylvania must be the national leader in delivering E-Government services. And, we believe Pennsylvania must have the best telecommunications systems in the world. Simply put, these two initiatives are mission-critical to our State’s future success.” Lewis said. “It’s time to lead.”
The Technology Council and other leaders also support full-funding and a cost-ofliving increase for Ben Franklin Partnership program that helps Pennsylvania start-up companies and tomorrow’s job creators. Also, the Council supports modernizing the PUC’s 26 year old computer systems with the proposed Information Management & Access Project (InfoMAP).
Unlike the last two budget years, when surpluses were small, this year’s budget surplus is fast-approaching a record figure. Already some House, Senate and administrative leaders are conceding to a $500 million surplus, with some analysts projecting a $650- $750 million surplus or higher. Accordingly, initiatives like restoring E-government funding levels and repealing the cell phone tax are achievable and possible.