Oberlander Votes to Restore Vital Funding for Schools, Ag Programs
HARRISBURG – Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) today voted to keep schools and rural hospitals open and agriculture programs functioning by sending a supplemental budget bill for the 2015-16 fiscal year to the governor.
“We are sending this additional budget document to the governor as a way to get the rest of state funding to schools, agricultural programs and other services he cut back in December,” Oberlander said. “This will allow schools to receive the rest of their state allotments – in addition to another $200 million in funding – and restore appropriations for agriculture programs, rural hospitals, child advocacy centers, among others, so they can keep operating.”
Without this funding measure, several schools around the state may close their doors, Penn State agriculture research and extension programs may lay off nearly 1,100 employees, and critical access hospitals may have to stop serving patients – all because of the governor’s continuing effort to put pressure on the Legislature to raise taxes.
“Throughout this budget ordeal, residents in Clarion, Armstrong and Forest counties have been steadfast in their opposition to tax increases and they want government to live within its means,” she continued. “This budget reflects those priorities, and I am hopeful that the governor sees signing this budget as an opportunity to do what’s right for the Commonwealth.”
In total, this proposal would bring the overall state budget spending to just over $30 billion and would require no broad-based taxes in order to balance.
Oberlander pointed out that savings achieved thus far in the fiscal year are able to offset the additional increases for both basic and higher education. The education subsidies would be distributed under a new formula Oberlander helped develop to ensure that all schools, and especially those in rural areas, are more fairly funded.
The governor has 10 days to sign or veto the bill.
Representative Donna Oberlander
63rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
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