Jul. 07, 2022
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northampton) today in Harrisburg voted for a fiscally responsible budget bill that was approved by the House and allocates nearly $42.8 billion in combined state spending and federal relief funds.
“Tonight, we passed a fiscally responsible state budget that raises neither taxes nor fees on hardworking families of the Commonwealth,” said Flood. “We are funding the needs of the people.
“This budget adds $2.1 billion into our Rainy Day Fund, sets crucial investments in preK-12 education and mental health, as well as increased contributions to our law enforcement, infrastructure, senior community, waterways and preparing for our Commonwealth’s future with $3.6 billion for use in future budgets.”
“We are repaying our debts while at the same time reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax (CINT) by reducing it from 9.99% to 8.99% next year.” This will bring more business into Pennsylvania.”
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 over $76 million in basic education funding, with the largest portion going to Bethlehem Area School District due to its high student population.
Each of these four school districts will also receive over $1 million in mental health and school safety grants, with the largest portion also going to Bethlehem Area School District.
“Special education is seeing an increase of 8% in its funding within schools statewide. This is crucial to ensuring those with special needs receive the necessary tools and resources in order to receive a quality education.”
The budget also provides for a one-time 70% enhancement of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate payments for low-income seniors.
“Our low-income seniors have especially felt the effects of higher utility costs and skyrocketing inflation. I was more than pleased to see that they will be offered relief.”
The budget also allocates $45 million for election integrity measures.
“Additionally, we put funds toward election integrity across counties and got rid of third-party funding – commonly referred to as Zuckerbucks – to help work toward restoring Pennsylvanians’ faith in our elections.”
“We are funding the needs of today but planning for tomorrow. This budget saves money, pays the bills and funds people rather than the government. We are standing up for the people of Pennsylvania and I am proud to have voted yes for this budget.”
The budget bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
For more information on the state budget,
visit here.