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North Central discusses governor's budget |
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Thursday, 26 February 2009 |
 Photo by Heather Tressler North Central discussed proposed state budget cuts and the effects it would have on the region. From left, are Mary Lou Jessop, Carole Harshbarger, Eric Bridges and Paul Corbin.
The effects it will have on the CommissionBy Heather Tressler Eric Bridges, Executive Director of North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission, spent most of yesterday's regular meeting discussing the governor's recent budget and its effects.
Bridges said the budget is set at $62 billion, and 45 percent of that will be administered to general funding. Bridges said that 45 percent of some $62 billion is estimated around $27 billion.
"The budget was presented," said Bridges. "In speculation we will continue to flow. It makes sense that the cut is pretty deep, and it will virtually effect every department."
A sum of 447 departments to be exact. Bridges said 346 departments will see a decrease in their budget whereas 101 programs have been completely eliminated. Total budget cuts Bridges said estimates around $1 billion.
"These are significant cuts," said Bridges. "Cuts that put us as close as you can get to the bone."
Bridges assured the executive committee that North Central continues to work and succeed even on a narrow budget. Bridges said this can be both positive and negative. He outweighed the facts that working on a slim budget definitely gets things accomplished, but at the same time he said this creates a track record which can lead to possible continued cuts in the future. Bridges emphasized the Commission's abilities to adapt to a decreased budget.
"It is both a blessing and a curse," Bridges said. "We show the ability to do more with less, and in some instances we produce a track record. Not all is bad though. We will all be hit, but we are not going to sit around and lick our wounds. We will fight and scratch as hard as we can."
Despite a decrease in funding, the executive committee approved two loans.
The first loan was for West Creek Machined Components Inc. located in St. Marys. The loan was to establish a working capitol. The loan was granted from the Small Business First Fund and as a result five new jobs will be created. The second loan was for an existing business, 3 Sigma Inc. located in Brockway. The loan is a diversified loan and as a result it will retain 12 jobs.
Other information in regards to money Bridges reported was the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, better known as the stimulus package. Bridges said as a result of the ARRA projects will need to expedited, which could cause uncertainty and questions. With nothing officially released, no projects nor amounts were revealed at yesterday's meeting.
According to Workforce Investment Board Director, Susan Snelick unemployment has hit it peak of 2,000 as of Nov. 1. Snelick because of the major increase of unemployed parties throughout the region, Career Link has had to become more efficient. Snelick said recently the Career Link has been training for personals to utilize the state system which they need to go to anyways to search jobs.
"It is pretty exciting," Snelick said. "We are trying to help people. The numbers of people accessing Career Link are increasing; the state system can serve them and lessen the time staff has to spend consulting."
Mary Hahn, WIC director, said she may see a decrease in her total budget allowance, but nothing is committed at this time. Hahn said this is a result of an attempt to balance other WIC programs that do not have enough funding, but Hahn emphasized this is not an issue with her program. Hahn informed the committee of the hiring of a part time Certified Physicians Assistant per budget allowance.
Things were positive for Amy Kessler, the Transportation Planning Director, as local bridges will be constructed this summer and roads will be refurbishment by Penn DOT.
Kessler noted more funding could be implemented into the monetary infrastructure if the Bradford and Johnsonburg bypasses are complete this year.
Paul Corbin, Chairman, directed everyone's attention to the next meeting that will not be on Wednesday but Thursday, March 26 prior to adjournment.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 30 July 2009 )
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