Jun. 20, 2018
HARRISBURG – Today, Rep. Harry Lewis Jr. (R-Chester) voted in favor of a $32.7 billion budget that makes record education investments without any tax increases or borrowing. It also invests in the Commonwealth’s financial security.
“Just like we save extra money to give our families a cushion for the times when the car needs new tires or the roof springs a leak, it’s important to save money at the state level for unexpected needs,” Lewis said. “The financial challenges we’ve experienced the last few years, which prevented us from setting money aside, are the perfect reminder of how important it is to save.”
To provide a safety net for budget challenges, the budget puts $20 million into the Rainy Day Fund for the first time since the Recession.
Record funding continues to be dedicated to education, with $140 million in increases to basic education, early childhood education and special education funding, collectively. To give citizens the opportunity to prepare for family sustaining jobs, $30 million was allocated for career and technical education programs.
It also awards early childhood education programs Pre-K Counts and Head Start an additional $25 million.
The budget, which would increase General Fund spending less than the rate of inflation, now advances to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Harry Lewis
74th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepLewis.com /
Facebook.com/RepLewis