For Immediate Release
February 27, 2009
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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Brubaker Focuses on Agriculture, Economy in First Week of Budget Hearings

HARRISBURG –Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) urged support for agriculture and prudent use of federal stimulus dollars during the Senate Appropriations Committee’s first week of budget hearings in Harrisburg. 

Brubaker expressed concerns to Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff on Wednesday that the governor’s budget proposal does not adequately reflect the importance of agriculture to the state’s economy. Agriculture makes up just one quarter of one percent of the state’s budget. 

"Given the vital role that agriculture plays in our state economy, I am disappointed that this budget proposal does not meet the needs of the agriculture community," Brubaker said. "Our economy is far more dynamic with a strong agricultural component, and we need to place a greater emphasis on continuing to make farming a viable industry in the Commonwealth." 

In addition to voicing his support for the agricultural community, Brubaker urged the Department of Environmental Protection on Wednesday to support the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program and reconsider cuts to state conservation districts. 

Brubaker also urged Budget Secretary Mary Soderberg and Secretary of Administration Naomi Wyatt to ensure all federal stimulus dollars spent in Pennsylvania are spent wisely. Brubaker sought to ensure that a system of checks and balances was in place to make certain that federal stimulus dollars are invested properly. 

"We have a responsibility to ensure that the stimulus money we get from the federal government is used to meet the most pressing needs of Pennsylvanians," Brubaker said. "I am pleased that the Administration has agreed to be held accountable for ensuring the money is allocated responsibly." 

During budget hearings Tuesday with the Department of Corrections and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Brubaker expressed concerns that recidivism rates in the were  contributing to inmate overpopulation in the state’s prisons. There are currently 49,000 incarcerated individuals in Pennsylvania in a system with a total capacity of less than 42,000.