Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – The York County House Republican delegation, made up of state Reps. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), Seth Grove (R-Dover), Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-Jacobus), Mike Regan (R-Dillsburg) and Stan Saylor (R-Red Lion), today joined the majority of its House colleagues in advancing a spending plan for fiscal year 2015-16. House Bill 1192, the primary piece of budget legislation, passed 112-77 and may now be taken up by the state Senate.
The budget proposal would spend $30.18 billion and features no tax increases or new taxes while increasing basic education funding for school districts as follows:
The delegation issued the following statement after passage of House Bill 1192:
“We are proud to stand behind this budget proposal because of the responsible spending practices it reflects. The economic climate in which we live continues to improve, but we cannot afford to spend foolishly. State government must continue to live within its means just as the taxpayers that have sent us to Harrisburg do. This spending plan does just that.
“Education remains a priority under House Bill 1192. Funding for Pennsylvania school districts reaches historic levels without historic tax increases. Changes being made to the basic education funding formula will address the shortfall York County schools have had to endure over many years.
“Those districts also stand to benefit from pension reform legislation that will be voted in the next few days, as well as changes to an outdated program (PlanCon) that will now fully reimburse them for construction projects. Both efforts free up more money to be used solely for education purposes.
“Funding for higher education is also prioritized. Not only is support for community colleges and state schools increased, but more than $11 million combined is designated for PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) and institutional assistance grants.
“This budget proposal also treats Pennsylvania farmers with the respect they deserve through $23 million in new funding (a more than 18 percent increase for the Department of Agriculture). It also places a priority on agriculture research to confront the threat avian flu poses to our poultry industry.
“These increases, along with those made to essential services such as health and public safety, are achieved without increased reliance on taxpayer wallets. The budget proposal the Senate will now take up mirrors the manner in which you handle your own money – responsibly and efficiently, spending only what you have on only what you need.
“We look forward to Senate approval of House Bill 1192 and Gov. Tom Wolf avoiding a shutdown of state government by signing into law a fiscally responsible budget which provides billions in education funding.”
York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com