Jun. 25, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton) today in Harrisburg voted for a balanced, tax-hike-free state budget bill that was approved by the House and allocates nearly $41 billion in combined state spending and federal relief funds.
The budget shows fiscal restraint by setting aside $2.52 billion in the state Rainy Day Fund, which is comparable to a family savings account.
“I think one of the big stories here is that lawmakers didn’t spend money, but instead set it aside for the future,” Flood said. “We protected taxpayers now by avoiding the governor’s tax hikes and we’re protecting taxpayers in the future by setting aside money for future budgets.”
Each of the four school districts included in the 138th Legislative District will benefit from increased state funding. Bethlehem Area School District, Nazareth Area School District, Northampton Area School District and Pen Argyl Area School District will benefit from a combined increase of more than $5 million, with the largest portion going to Bethlehem Area School District.
“We are investing in a broad array of education programs for Pennsylvanians,” Flood said. “We are increasing funding for career and technical schools, expanding educational improvement tax credits and providing more money for early childhood and special education programs.”
The Commonwealth relies on gasoline tax revenue to repair its roads, bridges and other transportation infrastructure. When fewer people drive, as happened during the pandemic, the state is left with fewer resources for these projects. The state budget this year will invest $279 million in federal relief to fund transportation infrastructure projects.
The state budget also provides essential funding for law enforcement and violence prevention programs, as well as $5 million for emergency medical services and first responders.
Following the tragic impact the pandemic had on senior care centers, the state budget includes an increased investment of funds for nursing homes, assisted living facilities and personal care homes.
The budget includes more than $3 million to fund a Bureau of Election Audits to operate out of the auditor general’s office.
“This is an important investment to ensure public trust in our elections,” Flood said.
The state budget bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
More information about Flood is available on her website at
RepAnnFlood.com or by following her on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepAnnFlood.
Representative Ann Flood
138th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717-772-9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
repannflood.com