Governor Josh Shapiro touted his budget proposal in North East today, speaking to police academy recruits about a plan to offer $2,500 tax rebates to newly hired officers, teachers and nurses.
"People have a right to be safe in their communities and to feel safe, and so while we make those investments, we are also going to call on you to meet the very high standards of excellence that the chief and your trainers here at Mercyhurst have for you."
Under his plan, qualifying workers would get rebates in their first three years. But Lieutenant Tom Lenox, who recruits for the Erie Police Department, says the meaning stretches beyond dollars and cents. 
"$2,500, I'm not scoffing at that, but at the end of the day, to me, it was validation and recognition at his level of the importance of police work at the state level."
In all three fields, teaching, nursing and policing, the number of yearly graduates has dropped precipitously. 
Lenox thinks a vote of confidence from the state can help. 
"Although there are issues in our profession at times, he brought it home today, stressing how noble this profession can actually be."
Shapiro says that's the goal of the rebate: to offer support in critically needed professions.
He says it's a bipartisan issue, one he's confident both sides can agree on. 
"A lot more is being asked of police officers today than ever before," he said. "We recognize that. That's why we want to have this high level of training and why we want to make sure there are enough people to do this important work that you need to do." 
Right now, the rebates are merely an idea. The general assembly has the final say on the budget.