Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – On Saturday, June 27, the House of Representatives voted in favor of a $30.18 billion legislative budget proposal, which includes no tax increases, and represents a fiscally responsible spending plan for the citizens of Pennsylvania. State Rep. Kurt Masser (R-Columbia/Montour/Northumberland) voted “yes” on this budget proposal, and after the vote made the following statement:
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have been working with my colleagues over the last three months to generate a responsible spending plan for the people of Pennsylvania. I’m proud that the Legislature was able to establish a state budget plan that includes no tax increases and will provide core and essential government services to the citizens of the Commonwealth.
“I’ve had budget conversations with a lot of people, and while some have asked that I support the governor’s budget proposal, which would raise spending by 16 percent, the overwhelming majority of people felt that they are already paying too much in taxes. The governor had zeroed out critical agriculture items in his proposal, and this legislative budget plan we passed today restores and increases line items related to our state’s No. 1 industry.
“The governor’s plan would drastically increase spending. On June 1, the tax increases that would be necessary to fund the governor’s budget proposal were put up for a vote in the form of an amendment to a tax code bill, and not one House member voted in favor of those tax increases.
“One of the main concerns throughout the budget process has been fair education funding. The budget passed in the House on Saturday would provide notable line item increases for the Department of Education, including a $100 million increase for basic education funding; $25 million increase for Pre-K Counts and a $5 million increase for Headstart, which will help to approximately serve an additional 3,500 children; and a $20 million increase for special education.
“The legislative budget would also fully fund the $1.7 billion Act 120 required school employee retirement contribution payment. Pennsylvania’s public pension system is currently facing a more than $50 billion pension debt. Public pension reform needs to be addressed by the Legislature, but I am glad that this budget funds the $1.7 billion payment requirement.”
This bill has been sent to the Senate for its consideration. Masser’s related video comments will be available at
YouTube.com/RepMasser.
For additional information about this, or any other state-related issue, contact Masser’s district office by calling 570-648-8017, or visit
RepMasser.com.
Representative Kurt Masser
107th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: Krisinda Corbin
717.705.2032
kcorbin@pahousegop.com
RepMasser.com /
Facebook.com/RepMasser