Culver on State Budget: ‘There’s A Lot to Like”
HARRISBURG – A key legislative piece in the package of bills that make up the 2022-23 state budget drew bipartisan support in the state House today.
Senate Bill 1100, the General Appropriations bill, must now be concurred upon by the Senate before it can become law.
State Rep. Lynda Culver (R-Northumberland/Snyder), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to passage of Senate Bill 1100 by a margin of 180-20:
“The spending plan we advanced today would make an investment not only in Pennsylvania but more so in Pennsylvanians. The level of bipartisan support this legislation attracted is the result of the many investments it makes in varying aspects of our economy.
“With economic forecasters calling for a recession, the responsible approach was taken when dealing with the influx of federal COVID-19 funding combined with a state revenue surplus. We paid off outstanding debt that was accessed to pass prior budgets before adding more than $2 billion to our Rainy Day Fund, bringing it in line with other states. We also reserved more than $3 billion in the General Fund to address future budget shortfalls.
“In addition to saving for the future, we invested in the years to come. Record funding is being proposed in early childhood and PreK-12 education. Increased funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and career and technical schools is also part of this proposal.
“Sen. John Gordner and I were successful in fighting for a record investment in environmental programs. The proposed 2022-23 budget includes funding for water, sewer, and stormwater projects, as well as flood control and conservation. It would also take into account Pennsylvania’s more than 300,000 acres of recreational opportunities by establishing a specific program for sustaining our parks and forest areas.
“Budgeting responsibly in the past played a large role in helping us through a difficult time. Continuing that practice will get us through future challenges. There’s a lot to like in this budget bill, which is why I support it.”
Please view my comments below.