Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG — After casting his first-ever vote on the state budget, Rep. Cris Dush (R-Jefferson/Indiana), expressed his satisfaction regarding the $30 billion 2015-16 state spending plan that was advanced by the House on Saturday.
“Without question, I am pleased to vote for a complete and balanced state budget that meets the core funding priorities for this Commonwealth,” said Dush. “I had been concerned that we would not be able to keep level funding on essential services, however we have been able to find savings and eliminate funding for such things as positions that have not been filled for years. This bill includes additional new funding for each of the state’s 500 school districts, while rejecting unsustainable spending and massive tax hikes that would not only negatively impact our state’s economic future, but especially Pennsylvania’s hard-working families. Today’s vote honors my commitment to the citizens of Jefferson and Indiana counties to deliver a budget that moves Pennsylvania forward, while forcing state government to live within it means.”
Major highlights of the 2015-16 state budget adopted by the House on Saturday include:
• No new taxes or tax increases.
• $100 million new state dollars for basic education that is combined with reforms to the basic education funding formula and improvements in accountability.
• $20 million for special education and $30 million for early education, including Pre-K Counts and Head Start.
• $300 million for the state and school districts to pay for capital improvements.
• $41 million across-the-board funding increase for higher education.
• Expanding community-based services for seniors to help keep them in their homes and communities.
• A 10 percent funding increase for Veterans Homes, and probation and parole line items will a receive 7.7 percent increase.
• $23 million restoration in agricultural funding that was previously eliminated by Gov. Tom Wolf and additional $2.8 million to address avian flu.
The budget bill now heads to state Senate for consideration and is on track to be presented to the governor before the end of the state’s fiscal year on June 30.
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Representative Cris Dush
66th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
717.772.9979
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