FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 8, 2011

Contact: Emily Haas

Judy Schwank for State Senate

215-510-3934

Judy Schwank: Budget Will Raise Property Taxes

Reading, PA—State Senate Candidate Judy Schwank released the following statement today following Governor Corbett’s budget address:

“Today, Governor Corbett proposed a budget that will force a dramatic increase in Berks County property taxes. While I truly believe that the Governor’s intentions while crafting the budget were to have government live within its means—with the loss of federal stimulus money and no new revenue, our state’s current spending is unsustainable—the Governor’s proposal fails to take into consideration the concerns of Berks County residents.

“The Governor has proposed a reduction in basic education funding of $550 million, a funding cut that will require local property tax hikes. The non-partisan Education Law Center of Pennsylvania has noted that a state-tax cut of this size will mean a property tax increase of $150 on every house in Pennsylvania.

“This budget underscores the importance of the independent leadership that I will bring to Harrisburg. Berks County needs a State Senator who will stand up against any politician who tries to balance the state’s budget on the backs of our residents.”

Judy Schwank is a two-term Berks County Commissioner and the Democratic candidate for State Senate in the special election to replace Senator Mike O’Pake who passed away in December. The special election will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2011.