Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks/144th) said today that the state budget advanced by the House today addresses the core functions of government, balances spending with available revenues and does not raise taxes on Pennsylvania families or senior citizens.
The state budget, totaling $30.18 billion, keeps spending in check and limits growth to just 3.6 percent. Critical investments will be made to public education, from the earliest childhood level through K-12 public schools and higher education; along with human service programs for senior citizens, those with physical and intellectual disabilities, and domestic violence and rape crisis centers.
“Budgeting is all about priorities, and along with our core functions, our responsibility also goes back to those who are paying the bill – the taxpayers,” Watson said. “I believe it is unfair to saddle our residents with huge increases in income and sales taxes – which were proposed by the administration earlier this year – when our economy is now just starting to show positive signs of recovery. That’s not responsible governing.”
Watson pointed out that state revenues came in above estimates to allow for additional investments in public education, which will total about $400 million across the array of educational initiatives.
“I am hopeful that the governor realizes that a government that works includes a budget that’s signed,” Watson said.
The budget now goes to the Senate for that chamber’s agreement before heading to the governor’s desk where its future remains uncertain.
Representative Kathy Watson
144th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Keaton
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jkeaton@pahousegop.com
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