Struzzi Applauds Overwhelming Support for Key Budget Bill
HARRISBURG – Labeling it a smart use of taxpayer dollars, state Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) joined an overwhelming number of his House colleagues in advancing a key piece of the legislative package which makes up the 2022-23 state budget.
Struzzi issued the following statement after the vote on
Senate Bill 1100, the General Appropriations bill which passed by a margin of 180-20 and now moves to the Senate for concurrence:
“I’m glad to see the vast majority of House members from both sides of the aisle agree on a responsible course of action when faced with the temptation to use most or all of the surplus on which Pennsylvania is sitting. While spending would be increased by less than 3%, that figure is well below Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposal of 16%. The budget we’re proposing shores up debt incurred in the past and leaves us on better footing for the future by bringing our Rainy Day Fund balance to an adequate level and leaving money in the General Fund to prepare for the rough road many economists say lies ahead.
“Not everyone gets what they want in the negotiating process, so I’m pleased to see many of the ideas I stood up for included in this spending proposal. We’re again sending a significant increase in funding to our local school districts, while also increasing support for early childhood education. Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the PASSHE (Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education) schools would realize a nearly 16% increase in General Fund support, and the system itself would be allocated an additional $125 million for its integration effort.
“Public libraries would receive an 18% increase over last year. A record investment in the environment would substantially support Pennsylvania agriculture, our conservation districts and state parks. As a longtime advocate for mental health reform, I’m very happy to see this budget proposal include more emphasis on access to care in the primary care setting.
“Senate Bill 1100 also includes varying types of tax relief, from the inaugural Pennsylvania Child Care Tax Credit and a one-time enhancement to the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to reforms that would make our state more attractive to businesses which are considering moving here.
“With 90% of the House voting in favor of the plan, this budget bill certainly ‘checks a lot of boxes’ and will hopefully lift up our citizens during a challenging time. I hope my Senate colleagues and Gov. Tom Wolf feel likewise and enact this proposal.”
For more budget information, please visit Struzzi’s website,
www.RepStruzzi.com, and click on the Resources tab to sign up for his weekly email.
Please view his budget comments below.
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
RepStruzzi.com / Facebook.com/RepStruzzi