Rendell and Dems jeopardize state Stimulus dollars

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Rendell and Dems jeopardize state Stimulus dollars

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Steve Miskin
Main Capitol, Harrisburg, PA
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Joined: Jul '09
Posts: 32
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Below is a message I have been sending news reporters... I am not certain they understand it given the spin from the Rendellies, but I think it is clear just using language in the federal law... Governor Rendell is not following the law if he excludes Temple, Pitt, Penn State and Lincoln from receiving less state funds. The House Democrats (endorsed by Rendell), by pushing off higher ed funding (for a "source" to be named later), also calls into question our ability to access ANY education monies from Stimulus, or the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA).

Bottom line, the House Dmeocrat $29 BILLION proposal is unrealistic and irresponsible. ANY member voting for it, is voting to support or allow a huge income or sales tax increase; there is NO other way to fill the huge hole they develop with their bloated proposal.

Please share your thoughts.

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As the "Tax You More" tours and rallies continue, it might be worth asking some questions regarding the law, the ARRA law.

Federal Stimulus Funds....

Reporters should ask the Rendell Administration about their intended use and interpretation of ARRA in regards to education funding.

Personally, I am surprised at the governor’s support for the House Democrat budget plan since they totally ELIMINATE funding for higher education. Has he, or any of the Commonwealth’s attorneys - or contract lawyers -- fully read the law? Specifically Section 13002. State Use of Funds. Paragraph (1)- (i)?

The House Democrat budget plan jeopardizes Pennsylvania’s education ARRA funding - The federal guidelines says state support must be maintained for elementary, secondary AND public higher education. (Democrat plan ELIMINATES higher education funding). The House Democrat plan puts PASSHE, Community Colleges and Thaddeus into a Higher Education Fund without a funding source. Again, this is citing the ARRA law, Sec. 13002. State Use of Funds. Paragraph (1)- (i)

Second, educators should really be baffled at the administration angst over the Republican plans for funding K-12 education. Are you, as reporters aware stabilization funds must FIRST be used to restore state support. You can review the citation in the ARRA law, Sec. 13002. State Use of Funds. Paragraph (1)- (ii).

We should all wonder how the administration intends to draft the report to the U.S. Secretary of Education describing the use of the federal funds? Specifically as to the explanation “of the tax increases that the Governor estimates were averted” because of the Stimulus funds..... surely they are aware it is expressly requested in the ARRA law, Sec. 13008. State Reports.

Now, as to higher education, the governor must report to the U.S. Secretary of Education of “(6) the tuition and fee increases for in-state students imposed by public institutions of higher education in the state during the availability of the funds under this title, and a description of any actions taken by the state to limit those increases.” [ARRA, Sec. 13008. State Reports] SO, that being the case, doesn’t the Rendell Administration and the House Democrat budget plan really misuse the federal Stimulus monies?

Wouldn’t you agree the House Democrats and the Rendell Administration are proposing to use basic education ARRA funds to force a tax increase and will compel local school districts to increase local property taxes when the federal money goes away, RATHER than its clear intended use?

Wouldn’t a reasonable person conclude that by eliminating higher education funding, the Democrats are clearly violating the federal ARRA statute and jeopardizing the state’s access to the federal dollars.

Furthermore, by declaring the four State-Related universities “non-public institutions,” Governor Rendell is FORCING tuition hikes on the very college students he and his Democrat allies profess to care about, but also, ignoring the intent of the federal Stimulus law.

What do you think these “Tax You More” advocates would say if they knew ALL the money they are hoping to grab may be lost because of a desire by the governor and House Democrat leaders for a tax increase?

It might be worth asking.

Posted 1 year ago #
alice
a house
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Joined: Jun '09
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THEY WILL DO ANYTHING TO RAISE OUR TAXES!

Posted 1 year ago #