Baker Supports Budget That Invests More Money for Education, Health Care
HARRISBURG – Rep. Matt Baker (R-Tioga/Bradford/Potter) voted in support of a $31.6 billion state budget that would increase money for education, health care and vital human service programs.
“While keeping the budget balanced and not increasing any broad-based taxes, we were still able to increase money for basic, special and higher education, as well as dedicate additional dollars to address the state’s opioid addiction crisis and other health care needs,” said Baker, chairman of the House Health Committee. “This budget took a great deal of compromise, but I think in the end we have a solid product that funds the state’s core functions, while investing in other areas that will increase our quality of life and position us for future success.”
Senate Bill 1073, the key piece of the state budget package, would provide a $200 million increase to basic education, $20 million increase to special education and a $30 million increase to the Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs. There would also be increases in higher education, including $10.84 million for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools, which includes Mansfield University.
In addition, $15 million would be dedicated to address the state’s opioid problem through treatment services.
Baker also noted that the state’s Critical Access Hospitals would receive an additional $1.3 million in funding, which includes money for the newest facilities to join the group – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital.
“Critical Access Hospitals serve some of the state’s most rural areas,” said Baker. “In my area of the state, we already have two such facilities that serve residents – Troy Community Hospital and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital - and I have recently learned that Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hospital in Wellsboro is about to join the list of Critical Access Hospitals. This is good news for residents in that area.”
Senate Bill 1073 now goes to the governor for consideration.
Representative Matthew Baker
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepBaker.com