As promised the provincial budget announced today is balanced, and projecting a $25.9 million surplus.
Finance Minister Randy Delorey says around $515-million will be invested in roads, schools, health care, and infrastructure.
The key priorities of #NSBudget17: pic.twitter.com/lYKlTwIwPC
— Nova Scotia Finance (@NSFinance) April 27, 2017
He says some 500,000 Nova Scotians will also get a break come tax season.
“We said we could start reforming our tax system once we could afford it. We are now at that point,’ he said during the announcement at Province House this afternoon.
“We are cutting income taxes by increasing the tax free basic personal amount by up to $3,000.”
Delorey says the change will only impact those making less than $75,000 per year.
Parents of young children are also getting a hand from the province.
The budget includes 30 new pre-primary sites with early learning programs for four-year-olds.
“This is not only helping children get the start they need, but it will help make lives more affordable for young families. Providing the fully funded pre-primary program could save families with children in the program up to $10,000 per year, per child.”
Delorey says they plan to expand that program province wide within four years.
The budget still needs to be debated before a vote can be called in the next few weeks.