Coy works to partially restore budget cuts

Harrisburg, June 23 State Rep. Jeff Coy, Franklin/Cumberland, announced Monday that he is co-sponsoring legislation to partially restore cuts to county human services, drug and alcohol treatment programs, medical assistance and public libraries in the 2002-03 state budget.

"These are tough economic times, and equally tough choices are going to have to be made on how to balance the budget," Coy said. "With some improved revenue projections and an unexpected windfall from the federal government, I’m hopeful that some of these cuts can be restored."

In late May, the federal government announced Pennsylvania would receive an additional $900 million, and Gov. Rendell said he would like to see some of that money used to partially restore cuts to safety-net programs.

The proposed restoration measures Coy is sponsoring would use part of that federal allocation and, if revenue projections improve, could also tap into those funds.

"I intend to advocate for the county- and local-level agencies that reached out to me over the past months. It is clear that these are the programs and individuals who help the most vulnerable in our communities, giving hope to those in greatest despair. They deserve our support."

Coy said he is working to have all measures considered in the legislature as soon as possible. They include H.B.s 1588, 1589, 1590, 1591, 1592 and 1593, and two additional measures that are expected to be introduced soon.