Santora Votes for Budget to Support Students, Combat Opioid Addiction
HARRISBURG – Today, Rep. James R. Santora (R-Delaware) voted with the bipartisan majority of his colleagues for a 2016-17 budget that would spend $31.55 billion. It would make investments in both education and programs to combat opioid abuse without burdening taxpayers with any changes to the Personal Income Tax or sales tax.
“Under this budget, Pennsylvania students would receive $250 million in additional educational funding. As a result of this substantial funding, I am hopeful that both the Senate and Gov. Tom Wolf will support this proposal and schools will not need to close their doors. Instead, schools will have the money to purchase all necessary materials and students will not suffer any interruptions to their education,” Santora said.
Basic education funding would receive a $200 million increase, Pre-K Counts a $25 million increase, special education a $20 million increase and Head Start Supplemental Assistance a $5 million increase.
Under the budget passed by the House, school districts in the 163rd District would receive an additional $2.7 million, which would be distributed in the following amounts:
- Haverford Township: $179,666 (5.7 percent increase)
- Upper Darby: $1,636,238 (4.7 percent increase)
- William Penn: $890,993 (4.2 percent increase)
“The budget would also dedicate funding to the Commonwealth’s opioid epidemic, which has ravaged the lives of our neighbors, friends and family members,” Santora added. “Addiction is truly a destructive force that will not be stopped without necessary funding and cooperation at all levels. The $15 million that is included in the budget will be instrumental.”
Wine privatization, expanded gaming, as well as cigarette and tobacco taxes, will provide the revenue needed to provide these important services to Commonwealth residents.
Representative James R. Santora
163rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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