Jul. 07, 2022
HARRISBURG – The $42.8 billion budget passed by the House this week makes historic investments in education, public safety, infrastructure and taxpayer relief for vulnerable Pennsylvanians, according to Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair).
Gregory said he voted yes on the spending plan because it takes steps to provide tax relief for small businesses, pay off debt, and expand through larger rebates the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which is popular among his constituents. The program benefits more than a quarter million older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities.
“Crafting the state budget requires give-and-take with all the parties involved, but I’m proud and relieved we’ve gotten to a proposal that provides relief to taxpayers and saves for the future. I remain mindful that federal relief funds are one-time infusions of revenue in our coffers, so having a budget that puts the state on firm financial footing is important for the future,” Gregory said.
The budget includes basic education funding increases for all Blair County school districts, including increases of $473,460 for Claysburg-Kimmel, $247,204 for Spring Cove, $349,348 for Williamsburg Community, $603,146 for Hollidaysburg Area, $383,264 for Tyrone Area, and $212,215 for Bellwood Antis.
“I encourage the Senate to concur and the governor to sign this budget soon so that we can provide notice to our school districts, state agencies and other affected entities,” Gregory said.
Gregory noted he voted no on the funding package for Lincoln, Temple, Pitt and Penn State universities, as Pitt continues to do research involving fetal remains.