Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Parke Wentling (R-Crawford/Erie/Lawrence/Mercer) joined the House majority today in approving a 2015-16 state budget proposal that is on time, balanced and focused on the core functions of government.
The Senate is expected to take up the House budget and send it to the governor’s desk by the June 30 deadline.
“The budget passed by the House reins in state spending and focuses government on its most important priorities: educating our children, protecting taxpayers and supporting our state’s most vulnerable citizens,” said Wentling.
Strengthening Education
The House budget would allocate $370 million in new education funding, including $100 million in new basic education funding.
Locally, schools in the 17th District would see the following funding increases:
• Commodore Perry - $24,740
• Conneaut - $134,028
• Crawford Central - $265,912
• Girard - $114,908
• Greenville Area - $92,215
• Jamestown Area - $35,081
• Mercer Area - $49,532
• Northwestern - $73,994
• Reynolds - $70,054
• Wilmington Area - $51,750
The budget also includes new investments in early childhood education. Programs such as Pre-K Counts and Head Start would see significant funding increases, giving children the necessary tools for educational success in their most formative years.
“Pre-K Counts would see $25 million in new funding under the House budget, while Head Start would see $5 million in new funding,” said Wentling. “This would expand access to these vital programs for about 3,500 additional Pennsylvania children.”
Protecting Taxpayers
The House budget closes a $1.2 billion projected shortfall without raising taxes and by limiting the growth of government spending.
“We’ve been successfully able to craft a plan that brings our budget into balance without tax increases,” said Wentling. “Residents have repeatedly told me they cannot afford additional taxes. The aim of this budget is to make state government live within its means, just like families northwestern Pennsylvania must do every day.”
Supporting Our Most Vulnerable Citizens
The House budget would expand home and community services by $96 million, increasing access to more than 3,700 individuals. Additionally, services to individuals with disabilities would be increased by $41 million, while long-term managed care would receive $16 million in additional funds.
For more information, please visit
RepWentling.com or
Facebook.com/RepWentling.
Representative Parke Wentling
17th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ryan Travis, 717.260.6335
rtravis@pahousegop.com
RepWentling.com /
Facebook.com/RepWentling