Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – After the House of Representatives today approved a $30.18 billion state budget that doesn’t raise taxes, keeps spending to a minimum and increases funding for education, Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) issued the following statement:
“I was proud to stand and cast an affirmative vote in the state House today for a state budget that doesn’t raise taxes on the hard-working people of Pennsylvania. The budget we sent to the Senate increases state spending by just 3.6 percent, as opposed to the 16 percent growth in government proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf.
“I am also happy to say this fiscally responsible plan we passed recognizes education as a top priority in our state. Our budget provides increases of $100 million for basic education, $20 million for special education, $25 million for Pre-K Counts and $5 million for Headstart.
“We also worked hard to make sure funding was available to help the most vulnerable in our communities. With that, we have dedicated $96 million for home- and community-based services, which will support a program expansion to help an additional 3,756 seniors across the Commonwealth. Services to assist persons with disabilities will also receive an additional $41 million under the budget.
“Of course, we also need to invest dollars where it will help grow the state by bringing in more revenue and supporting job stability, which is why we are dedicating $23 million in new funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to benefit our state’s No. 1 industry.
“Other notable sectors of the budget where we were able to increase spending include an additional 10 percent in funding for Veterans Homes and an appropriation to fund four new classes of state police cadets, which will result in a total of 350 more troopers on the streets.
“This is a responsible budget that holds the line on taxes, increases spending to vital areas and invests in our future. The plan now goes to the state Senate for consideration, where it is expected to pass and be on the governor’s desk in time to meet our deadline of July 1.”
Representative Sandra Major
111th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717. 772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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