Jun. 28, 2016
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) today voted for a balanced, on-time state budget bill that was approved by the House and would increase investments in schools and children without requiring a broad-based tax increase.
“This bill places us on the path for a responsible, on-time budget,” James said. “We are working in a bipartisan manner to make smart investments while respecting the needs of taxpayers.”
The $31.5 billion state spending plan would increase the main appropriation for schools across the Commonwealth by $200 million.
The bill also would maintain current levels of funding for Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education universities at a time when belt-tightening resulted in reduced funding in other areas of the state budget.
“This budget continues to invest in the education of our students,” James said. “Our students – whether they are in grade schools or higher education – are a budget priority.”
The spending plan would require no new or increased broad-based taxes. Gov. Tom Wolf has continually called for increases in the state Personal Income Tax and state sales tax.
“We were able to develop a plan that invests in key functions of government without further burdening Pennsylvanians with broad-based tax increases,” James said.
The bill would rely on additional dollars made available through the recent state liquor law reforms, an expansion of legalized gaming and other revenue enhancements.
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. The new state budget is due by July 1.
Representative Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
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