Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – After casting an affirmative vote for an on-time, responsible budget that doesn’t increase taxes on hard-working Pennsylvanians, Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) released the following statement:
“This is a good, solid budget that increases spending to areas of priority, such as education, health and human services, and agriculture – our state’s No. 1 industry,” said Ward. “Our budget directs an additional $100 million for basic education, $25 million for Pre-K Counts and $20 million for special education. We also dedicate an additional $96 million to home and community-based service and $41 million more for services to persons with disabilities.
“And for those in the agriculture industry and its ancillary businesses, we are dedicating $23 million more over this year’s appropriation to the Department of Agriculture for things like ag research, hardwood research and other agriculture programs. Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget plan actually eliminated funding for these programs.
“I also don’t want to forget to point out that funding for our state’s Veterans Homes, like the one we have in Hollidaysburg, will benefit from a 10 percent increased appropriation under our budget.
“The really great news is that we were able to manage all of this without raising taxes on Pennsylvania taxpayers. We are doing this through fiscally responsible management of funds.
“I am hopeful the governor will take a serious look at this budget and recognize its merits. To veto the budget and put Pennsylvania in a stalemate after his budget plan was already voted down unanimously in the House would be detrimental to the many social service programs, hospitals and schools that rely on timely annual state appropriations.”
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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