| March 11, 2010 BUDGET 2010: MLA COMMENDS INCREASES TO HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE VICTORIA- Abbotsford-South MLA John van Dongen made the following response to Budget 2010 in the Legislature today, highlighting continued BC Liberal Government support of key services like health care, education and infrastructure partnerships. “The B.C. government has recognized that our city is growing rapidly and has invested millions into infrastructure projects that help support our residents. Our hospital has been expanded, an additional runway at YXX is being added, a new university has been established and we are building 2 new freeway interchanges. “The 2010 Winter Olympics was really a time to shine, to host the world and to show how hard our Province has worked to create a lasting legacy. “This budget is putting more than one billion dollars towards acute care services like community, assisted living and residential services, as well as mental health and addiction services. “Between now and March 2011, we will provide $110 million to school districts in annual facilities grants to provide maintenance for schools and playgrounds. “Another $26 million over the next three years has been set aside to support child care programs to help low and moderate income families with the cost of child care. “And for most taxpayers, provincial income taxes have been reduced by at least 37 per cent since 2001. On top of that, an additional 325,000 people no longer pay any British Columbia income tax. “The HST will lower taxation on new investments by 40 per cent, helping to create jobs and new opportunities in every region of the province and giving new momentum to our resource industries. Let me just repeat that, the HST will create jobs for British Columbians. A factor that I would think the opposition would agree with. “This government has committed $5.3 billion to more than 850 accelerated capital projects in order to generate and protect approximately 34,000 construction jobs over the life of the projects. “There is no doubt in my mind that this 2010 budget will indeed enhance support for the vital public services that British Columbians rely on every day." For a full transcript of John’s Budget 2010 response, visit the Hansard website. -30- | |
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