Jun. 25, 2019
HARRISBURG – With support from both sides of the aisle, the state House today approved
House Bill 790, the General Appropriations portion of the state budget package. The vote of 140-62 advances the legislation to the state Senate for consideration.
State Reps. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) and Tommy Sankey (R-Clearfield/Cambria) issued the following statement upon passage of the legislation:
“The state budget bill we are sending to the Senate is the product of a strong national economy and the result of the responsible decisions we have made over the last several years to protect hard-working Pennsylvanians from the burden of increased taxes and fees.
“While revenues are up, we’re prioritizing the need to save the taxpayers’ hard earned money. Instead of spending every available dime, this budget places more than a quarter of a billion dollars into our Rainy Day Fund, helping to ensure Pennsylvania’s taxpayers will be protected from whatever economic challengers the future may bring.
“While living within our means with no new taxes or fees, this budget increases our investment in our public schools by $160 million and includes an increase of $50 million in special education subsidies to assist our public school districts. Every public school in our districts will receive an increase in basic education funding. In addition, we’re addressing current needs in the marketplace by investing an additional $10 million in career and technical education and including an increase for our Community Education Councils. Additionally, increased investments in agriculture and hardwoods will further help our region of the state.
“Recharging our Rainy Day Fund, along with a significant contribution to our pension debt, should improve our bond rating. Sound fiscal decisions have enabled our economy and our revenues to grow without an increase in tax rates. The budget we voted to pass today will continue us down the path to prosperity, enabling Pennsylvania to realize our full economic potential.”
Representative Matt Gabler
75th District, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RepGabler.com /
Facebook.com/RepGabler
Representative Tommy Sankey
73rdDistrict, Pennsylvania House of Representatives
RepSankey.com /
Facebook.com/RepSankey
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com