Guy welcomes Budget 2012 investment
Otaki MP Nathan Guy has welcomed the investment from Budget 2012 into broadband, schools and healthcare which will benefit Kapiti and Horowhenua.
“It’s hugely important that we balance the books and get back into surplus by 2014/15. We’ve seen many countries around the world get into trouble by spending more than they earn and it’s important we don’t make the same mistakes.
“At the same time, reprioritising spending means there is more money for frontline services in health and education.
“There is almost $1.5 billion in new spending for health, with total health spending at a record high of just over $14 billion. This includes better, faster cancer treatment, more elective surgery and a boost for Plunketline and maternity services.
“Ultrafast broadband is continuing to roll out, with schools one of the top priorities. This is already making a difference to the way local students are learning.
“An extra $111 million is going towards early childhood education. Our goal is to have 98% of all new school entrants to have taken part by 2016, because of the head-start this gives young people in life.
“$512 million is being invested into education over the next four years to improve teacher development and mentoring, and increase operational funding for schools.
“Recorded crime is at a 15 year low and we have set an ambitious target of lowering prisoner reoffending by 25% by 2017. Community programmes like Levin’s Neighbourhood Policing Team are making a positive difference.
“The upgrade of our roading network is well underway, with Transmission Gully given draft approval by a Board of Inquiry and the Kapiti expressway likely to go through a similar process soon.
“I’m proud of the Government’s investment into improving our infrastructure, and of how we are getting the economy back on track after dealing with some huge challenges,” says Mr Guy.
Key facts from Budget 2012:
• On track to reach surplus in 2014/15
• More spending on health than ever before - $14.12 billion
• $512 million invested into education over the next four years
• $326m boost for science, innovation, research
• $159m over four years to invest in tertiary engineering, science and research at Universities.
• $18.3 million investment in youth mental health services over the next 4 years
• $287.5m investment in welfare reforms – helping people find work.
More detailed information is available at: http://www.beehive.govt.nz/feature/budget-2012