The provincial government released its budget on April 10, and Estevan MLA Lori Carr says that money has been made available for highway expansions and roadwork, among other departments.
“I am optimistic about it that the government has a plan to get back to balance and that plan is on track,” said Carr.
She also mentioned that there are a few highlights for Estevan in regards to the provincial budget.
“Our school divisions, both Holy Family and South East Cornerstone have received increases to their budget and that increase will go a long way towards helping to keep the current schools in the area in good condition for future generations to come,” said Carr.
“The premier made a promise while he was campaigning that he was going to put 30 million dollars back into education and he has done that,” she added.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority Carr said has a budget for this fiscal year of $3.5 billion dollars for its operating fund, which she called “fairly significant.” Overall health spending is $5.36 billion, which is a 2.9 per cent increase.
“The raise for health care in this province … is for the youth in the system and to handle an increase in patients,” said Carr.
Highways for Estevan are a big topic, she said, because construction on passing lanes will begin on Highways 39 and 6 from Estevan to Regina.
“Highways are also another good news story for Estevan because we are going to be starting some road construction and expansion, and what that means for the future is people traveling from Estevan to Regina can look forward to a faster and safer commute once the roadwork is completed,” said Carr.
The amount that Estevan receives through municipal operating grants will also be adjusted.
“Revenue sharing for the city of Estevan, we had made some cuts last year to them and as part of those cuts we decided to give a portion of it back,” said Carr. “The understanding is this year is the rest of that would be taken away but we have decided that the cities have helped out enough and we are going to leave that funding for them.
“Because they got less than they have in previous years they are not going to get any less than they got last year,” she added.
Carr said that for the future of revenue sharing an open meeting would be taking place with the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities and others who will discuss how to change the current formula for revenue sharing.
Municipalities receive one per cent of the provincial sales tax (PST) revenues, which has made it more predictable and reliable.
The PST exemption was removed for used vehicle sales and for the sale of Energy Star appliances.
“We are going to start charging PST on used vehicles meaning anything over $5,000 will be subject to a PST charge. The only exemption for this is the trading and selling of vehicles amongst family members,” she added.
