May. 28, 2020
Votes in favor of federal funding for local community, seniors, small businesses and emergency responders
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) today voted to finalize a five-month stabilizing budget that protects residents from higher taxes, and keeps the state moving forward, offering more time for the fiscal impacts of COVID-19 to be fully realized.
The temporary budget spends $25.8 billion, level funding most programs and government functions for five months, while fully funding local school districts and higher education, including Pennsylvania State University, for 12 months.
“This temporary budget protects taxpayers, stabilizes spending and gives certainty to those who are depending on government to stay operational,” Benninghoff said. “So many of you are hurting right now by no fault of your own. I felt a timely budget was an important step in ensuring government and schools continue to meet the needs of seniors, children, families and individuals as we face this crisis together.”
Benninghoff also voted today to appropriate more than $2.6 billion in federal funds aimed at addressing many of the challenges that have arisen as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the federal funding, $625 million was allocated specifically for counties. Based on population, Centre County will receive 14,664,803 and Mifflin County will receive 4,166,670. “Throughout Pennsylvania and throughout the nation, people are hurting like no other time in my lifetime,” Benninghoff said. “These federal funds were targeted carefully and purposefully to help those who need it most. I pray it will provide much-needed relief.”
The remaining funds will be allocated across various programs and initiatives, including $10 million requested by Benninghoff for COVID-19 vaccine research and development, $225 million for small businesses, $625 million to protect the elderly population in nursing homes, long-term care and personal care; $20 million for food assistance programs; and $50 million in relief for volunteer fire companies and emergency medical service companies.
Pennsylvania received these funds from the federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
County Distribution
Federal Funding Distribution
Representative Kerry Benninghoff
House Majority Whip
171st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives