Gillen Votes for Balanced, Responsible Budget Approved by House
HARRISBURG – Rep. Mark Gillen (R-Berks/Lancaster) today in Harrisburg voted in favor of a balanced state budget that would fund state programs and services, and increase financial support for schools, without requiring a broad-based tax increase.
“This budget bill is responsible and provides significant funding for the core functions of state government without excessively burdening Pennsylvania taxpayers,” said Gillen.
The $30.2 billion budget would increase state spending by more than $1 billion, or 3.7 percent, compared to the last enacted state budget.
State government has been operating without a state spending plan in place since July 1, when the last state budget expired without a new one in place.
Gov. Tom Wolf in March proposed a plan that would have spent more than $33.7 billion, but also required billions of dollars in new and increased taxes.
The budget bill approved today by the House does not include the broad-based tax increases proposed by the governor.
“This bill would hold down the cost of state government, protect taxpayers against excessive tax increases and provide historic levels of investment in our students and schools,” Gillen said. “This is a balanced approach to managing our Commonwealth’s finances.”
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Residents interested in learning more about Gillen can visit his website at
RepGillen.com and follow him on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepGillen.
Representative Mark Gillen
128th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com