Dec. 08, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) today voted in favor of a state budget that would reduce government spending proposed by the governor and avoid unnecessary broad-based taxes on Pennsylvania families. After the vote she issued the following statement:
“The budget voted on today in the House keeps government spending at a minimum in order to avoid the massive broad-based tax hikes favored by the governor. This plan clearly shows we can meet our government financial obligations without unnecessary new taxes taking more money out of the wallets of working men and women.
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House Bill 1460 is a reasonable budget plan that includes a $100 million increase for basic education, $30 million increase for special education, $25 million increase for Pre-K Counts and $5 million increase for Head Start. It also includes additional funding for human services and for the care of veterans.
“Along with these priority increases, the House budget also restores funding eliminated by the governor within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which keeps programs operational that are of great benefit to farmers in Blair County and throughout the Commonwealth.
“And, we are able to do this without widespread increases to the sales or income taxes.
“During lean revenue years government needs to reduce spending, and this budget plan respects that necessity. I was not in favor of the governor’s plan, which sought to implement massive tax increases in order to greatly increase government spending. I thing government needs to get smaller, not bigger. This plan keep us on that path.
“I realize this particular plan might not be the final budget product, but I think it gives us a strong template from which to work. Just like the majority of Pennsylvanians, I too want to see this budget impasse resolved and I am hopeful we are about to cross the finish line.”
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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