Hershey: Temporary Budget is a Sensible Step

5/26/2020

HARRISBURG – On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed a temporary budget to allow for a more detailed financial picture to emerge following the worst of the COVID-19 crisis.

The temporary budget would cover five months of spending in all areas, except for education. It would fund education for kindergarten to 12th grade at the same level as 2019-20.

The education section of the budget is extended beyond the five months to a full year.

Rep. John Hershey (R-Mifflin/Juniata/Franklin) called the measure a sensible step because COVID-19’s effects on the tax base are not yet known.

“It was important that we provide school boards information about their 2020-21 allocations because they are crafting their own budgets locally right now. Education is just one segment of society that has been put in an unprecedented position,” Hershey said. “We in the Legislature need a clearer revenue picture to better make spending decisions going forward.”

Hershey urged quick action by the Senate on the temporary budget.

“I’m hopeful this budget can get onto the governor’s desk soon so that we can turn our attention to long-term planning,” he said.

Representative John Hershey
82nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives