Heffley Votes to Send Balanced Budget to Senate
HARRISBURG – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) joined his colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass a $31.5 billion budget which does not rely on broad-based tax increases for higher spending. The budget invests an additional $250 million for education, along with $15 million to combat Pennsylvania’s opioid epidemic, and funds three classes of state police cadets.
The budget passed by the House also invests resources in environmental protection, increases funding for special education and addresses the waiting list for services to help those with intellectual disabilities.
The budget passed the House 132-68 and includes over $1 million in additional funding for Carbon County schools. Also included in this year’s budget is funding for the SHINE afterschool program and ABLE savings accounts which allow Pennsylvanians to save for disability-related expenses in tax-free savings accounts.
“While I’m not thrilled with every aspect of this budget, I feel this is a responsible solution when we consider the federal mandates and pension costs that continue to increase our costs from year to year. This is an on-time, bipartisan budget. I am proud to stand up for taxpayers and once again hold the line on broad-based tax increases.
“I am glad to see increased funding for the state’s opioid crisis as well as for education. It is my hope that this budget is passed by the Senate and signed by Gov. Tom Wolf in the coming days so we are able to continue working on many important issues facing Pennsylvania,” said Heffley.
The budget now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
mdux@pahousegop.com
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