Jun. 25, 2021
HARRISBURG –Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) today voted with the majority of her colleagues in the state House to pass a $39.78 billion state budget for Pennsylvania for the 2021-22 fiscal year.
“This was my first time through the state budget process and although the budget may not be perfect, I was a ‘yes’ vote because it addresses our core government needs, while still saving for the future. It specifically provides additional funding for the primary sectors of public safety, education and assistance for our most vulnerable,” said Pennycuick.
Under the budget, Basic Education Funding would increase by $300 million, Pre-K Counts and Headstart would receive a $30 million increase, and special education would receive an additional $50 million. In addition, $350 million in federal funds would be allocated for learning loss, summer enrichment and after-school programs.
“I was particularly pleased with the increase in Basic Education Funding for Pre-K through 12th grade education. Schools in my district, which have historically been underfunded, are each receiving a healthy increase in funding this year thanks to the Fair Funding Formula,” said Pennycuick.
School districts in the 147th Legislative District will receive the following increases over the last fiscal year:
• Boyertown Area School District – $476,038.
• Perkiomen Valley School District – $260,110.
• Pottsgrove School District – $222,310.
• Souderton Area School District – $477,416.
• Upper Perkiomen School District – $186,900.
“Although we always wish for more, these are solid increases that will help our districts meet their growing needs,” said Pennycuick. “I consider this a win; however, I also plan to continue to fight for even more funding whenever and wherever possible to support our students.”
The budget also includes funding for two more classes of state troopers, $30 million for violence intervention and prevention, $5 million in federal funding to help first responders, and $279 million in federal funds for transportation infrastructure.
“Also, important to me as a veteran and the former director of the Veterans Affairs for Montgomery County, is the allocation of an additional $8.3 million for the state’s Veterans Homes that care for our military veterans,” said Pennycuick. “This funding will help ensure those who have served their country receive the care they have earned.
“Nursing homes, which were at the epicenter of the pandemic, will also receive $282 million to help purchase personal protective equipment, conduct staff testing and cover other pandemic-related costs,” continued Pennycuick. “We need to help provide our nursing homes with the resources they need to better protect those in their care and guard against any future pandemics.”
The House-approved budget also sets aside $2.52 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund to help with any future economic challenges.
“Overall, this is a responsible budget that is focused on helping those sectors most in need, while also supporting the economic comeback of the Commonwealth,” concluded Pennycuick.
For more information on the 2021-22 state budget, go here.
Representative Tracy Pennycuick
147th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717-772-9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
reptracypennycuick.com