Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh) joined the House majority today in approving a 2015-16 state budget proposal that it is on time, balanced and focused on the core functions of government.
Specifically, Mackenzie noted the House budget would strengthen education, protect taxpayers and support the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable citizens.
“A government that works requires a budget that’s signed,” said Mackenzie. “The House has passed an on time, balanced budget that will fund our schools, serve individuals in need and keep state government operational. I call upon the governor to the sign this budget. It’s a strong proposal that moves Pennsylvania forward.”
The Senate is expected to take up the House budget and send it to the governor’s desk by the June 30 deadline.
Strengthening Education
“The House budget would allocate $370 million in new education funding, bringing total education spending to $11 billion – a record level of investment – that includes $100 million in new basic education funding,” said Mackenzie.
Locally, schools in the 134th District would see the following funding increases:
• Brandywine Heights Area - $48,082
• East Penn - $276,782
• Fleetwood Area - $103,534
• Parkland - $290,275
• Salisbury Township - $53,301
• Upper Perkiomen - $93,960
Mackenzie also said, “I applaud this budget’s investment in early childhood education. Programs such as Pre-K Counts and Head Start will 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 – a move that would expand access to these proven 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.
“This budget is successfully balanced without tax increases,” said Mackenzie. “Instead, lawmakers went item by item through the budget to maximize efficiency and eliminate wasteful spending.”
Under the proposal, state spending would not exceed the guidelines established by TABOR, or the Taxpayer Bill of Rights.
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.
Please see
www.RepMackenzie.com or
www.Facebook.com/RepMackenzie for more information.
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ryan Travis
rtravis@pahousegop.com