Supplemental Budget Would Restore Wolf Cuts, Keep Schools Open, Gingrich Says
HARRISBURG – Rep. Mauree Gingrich (R-Lebanon) voted tonight to approve a supplemental funding package that would restore about $6 billion in state funding that was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf in the 2015-16 state budget.
House Bill 1801 passed on concurrence in the House tonight and is on its way to the governor’s desk.
She issued the following statement following tonight’s vote:
“House and Senate leaders put together a balanced plan that would restore funding to schools, agriculture, hospitals, child advocacy centers and other important line items that were cut from this year’s state budget,” said Gingrich. “House Bill 1801 would enable us to close out the current year’s budget so we can begin negotiations for next fiscal year’s budget, which begins July 1.
“With the governor’s signature, this plan would increase basic education funding by $200 million -- removing the threat of school closings. It would also increase higher education funding by 5 percent, and restore money cut from our agriculture research and extension programs – preventing the layoffs of more than a thousand people.
“There is simply no need to hold hostage our school children and our public health and safety programs by continuing to drag out this budget. I encourage the governor to sign this bill when it lands on his desk so we can get this critical funding where it needs to go. This legislation saves our schools, funds essential services and will not increase taxes.”
Representative Mauree Gingrich
101st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Donna Pinkham
717.260.6452
dpinkham@pahousegop.com
RepGingrich.com