Under the bright lights of the Manitoba Legislature, Portage la Prairie Mayor Sharilyn Knox attended Tuesday's presentation of the NDP government's inaugural budget.

Knox was glad to note that the budget had a strong focus on social issues and health care, which she believes will have a positive impact on the community.

"It's nice to hear the number of 1,000 new healthcare workers with us having a new hospital coming."

The budget stated a 2 per cent municipal funding increase. Knox hopes that will be 2 per cent a year going forward, with details still to come.

"It was nice to hear an increase after the freeze that we've had. However, you know we would have loved to hear more. Municipalities, we do a lot, and you know it costs us a lot to do things. The 2 percent increase isn't a huge amount. For instance, for the City of Portage, it's just under $40,000 in additional funding for us for our operating grant."

file photoManitoba Legislature.

Knox highlights that she appreciated catching up with ministers from around the province and hearing their thoughts on Portage.

"They were able to tell me or talk to me about things that were going on in Portage la Prairie. I didn't have to tell them, which means that they're listening and that, as municipalities and a level of government, we really need that collaboration between all levels. That was very refreshing." 

The extension of the gas tax holiday, additional funding for homeless people, and tax breaks for lower-income citizens were also areas that the Portage Mayor thought were important to note as steps in the right direction.

"For a first-time budget with this new sitting government, I'm pretty pleased."