Good Analysis of Corbett's Pennsylvania 2012-13 Budget Cuts by a Think Tank

[JPZenger]

4. Diverting millions of revenues from important purposes

Based upon info from conserveland.org

The Legislature over the years has dedicated certain revenues to certain purposes. Corbett would "divert" these funding streams to pay for a $250 million business tax cut.

The Corbett budget would eliminate all state grants for local parks, trails and land preservation. This same "Keystone conservation Fund" that would be eliminated also funds improvements to state parks and state forests. It is funded by a portion of real estate transfer taxes, but the money would now be diverted.

"Since 1993, the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund has helped communities achieve tremendous and lasting conservation, recreational and economic benefits for the people of the Commonwealth. The Keystone Fund has supported thousands of community park development projects including athletic fields, community centers, playgrounds and pools. Hundreds of miles of recreational trails have been built with Keystone funding. Tens of thousands of acres of community open space, wildlife habitat, state forests and parks are forever protected and available for public enjoyment because of the Keystone Fund."

The legislature a number of years ago increased cigarette taxes to pay for permanent preservation of farmland. The Governor would permanently divert this money to other purposes.