Glen Murray MPP Newsletter - Ontario Budget Update

Ontario Budget Update 08/05/2013  Greetings from Queen’s Park, During this important time in the Ontario Legislative Calendar I am pleased to bring you an update today on the important budget process that is currently underway. On May 2nd the government of Ontario introduced the 2013-2014 budget. This budget balances strong investments in our health care system, schools, and important infrastructure projects while continuing our commitment to eliminating the provincial deficit. We have made great investments in the people of Ontario, all while remaining fiscally responsible. Our deficit was lower than expected, and we are well on track to eliminate the deficit by 2017-2018. As part of this update, I would like to share some key items from the budget that will directly benefit residents of Toronto Centre. Reducing the cost of auto insurance premiums by an average of 15% $700 million increase for home and community care over the next three years, which will provide home care for 46,000 more seniors $295 million for Ontario’s Youth Job Strategy, which expands employment opportunities and training to create 30,000 new jobs $30 million for Local Foods Strategy to promote and create demand for local food sources $45 million in the Ontario Music Fund to support Ontario’s artists and music industry Increasing the maximum annual Ontario Child Benefit (OCB) to $1, 310 per child by July 2014 $400 million investment in social assistance, aimed towards removing barriers to employment and harmful regulations $200 per month earning exemption for individuals receiving social assistance $35 billion investment in modern infrastructure to build new transit, roads, schools, and hospitals. $93 million increase in funding for Comprehensive Mental Health and Addictions Strategy. $12.5 million in additional funding for the Provincial Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy and the Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy Extending the accelerated Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) for manufacturing and processing machinery and equipment, to reduce the tax on manufacturing by $265 million between 2013-2014 and 2015-2016 $20 million in additional funding for Legal Aid Ontario Increasing limits of liquid assets for Ontario Works recipients to $2,500 from $606 for single and $5,000 from $1,043 for couples. Removing the restriction on the value of a primary vehicle for Ontario Works recipients, making it easier to own a vehicle needed for work Ontario is stronger when we all have the opportunity to succeed and contribute. This budget makes concrete advances towards the fair and prosperous society. For this generation we improve the social safety net and reduce burdensome regulations, and for the next we eliminate the deficit and increase Ontario’s competitiveness in the global economy. Ontario is moving forward, right on schedule. If you would like further information on any items mentioned in this news letter or have any other questions or concerns, I would encourage you to contact my constituency office. Thank you. Sincerely, Glen Murray