James Votes for Responsible Budget Advanced by House
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) today in Harrisburg voted for a state budget bill that would fund the core functions of government and increase funding for schools without requiring the broad-based tax increases proposed by the governor.
“We passed a budget bill that would invest in our students and schools without further burdening Pennsylvanians with a broad-based tax increase,” James said.
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.
Pennsylvania state government has been mired in a budget deadlock since July 1 after Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a balanced, on-time spending plan approved by the House and Senate.
Wolf proposed a $33.7 billion spending plan in March that would have required billions of dollars in new and increased taxes.
The budget bill approved by the House does not include the increases in the state sales and income taxes proposed by the governor.
“We approved a comprehensive state budget plan that would provide money to schools, college students, first responders, senior citizens and other Pennsylvanians that benefit from state funding,” James said. “This is a responsible approach to address the Commonwealth’s budgetary needs.”
The state budget bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Residents can learn more about James by visiting his website at
RepJames.com and following him on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepJames.
Representative Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com