1999-2000

The 1999-20000 budget targets $1.9 billion to health care, up $195 million over 1998/99. It cuts the province's sales tax rate from seven per cent to six per cent and targets $100 million to debt reduction.

In addition to the increased funding for health, the budget invests in other
priority areas with:

• $235 million for highways up 7 per cent over last year's budget;
• a new $10 million provincial-municipal infrastructure assistance program, to
  be matched by local funds, bringing municipal revenue sharing to $66 million;
• more than $1.0 billion for K-12 schools, post-secondary education and skills
  training the largest investment ever; and,
• $218 million 8 per cent more than in 1998/99 to improve the justice system and
  move forward on initiatives to deal with violent crimes and repeat young
  offenders.

In addition to reducing Saskatchewan's sales tax rate from seven per cent to six per cent, provincial personal income taxes will be lowered by $30 million a year, resulting from the recent federal tax changes.

Budget measures to further stimulate economic growth, diversification and jobs
include:

• $17 million for agriculture research and development up 26 per cent from
  1998/99;
• increased support for northern and local economic development;
  funding for the new Petroleum Technology Research Centre in Regina;
• financial commitment to the Canadian Light Source synchrotron project in
  Saskatoon; and
• a doubling of the small business start-up and operating assistance available
  through the Small Business Loans Association program.