Jun. 25, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) today announced that the House of Representatives has passed
House Bill 790, the General Appropriations portion of the state budget, by a 140-62 margin.
Highlights include increases in funding for PreK-12 education, higher education and career and technical education (CTE), investments in agriculture and significant contributions to Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund.
“Childhood education, career and technical education, workforce development and agriculture are four areas of extreme importance to me and the 62nd District,” said Struzzi. “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I fought hard for the issues that matter to Indiana County and I am very happy to see them being acknowledged in this budget.”
The budget spends a total of $33.997 billion – $149 million less than the governor’s February budget proposal. This is a 1.8% increase from the 2018-19 fiscal year, which is consistent with the rate of inflation. After the budget is passed, 100% of the General Fund balance – estimated to be at least $250 million – will be transferred to the Rainy Day Fund.
Other important aspects of the budget include increased Human Services funding for programs designed to combat Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis, as well as assist those suffering from mental and physical disabilities or diseases. The Pennsylvania State Police will also receive funding without the application of the governor’s proposed municipality per-capita tax.
“I am very happy with this budget and am excited to see it move to the next phase of the process,” Struzzi continued. “It meets the many needs of Pennsylvanians and invests in key areas of importance while also keeping our spending under control and saving money for the future, all without instituting any new taxes or fees. We also staved off the governor’s proposal to increase the minimum wage, which would have been detrimental to business and job growth.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Kevin DiGuiseppe
717.260.6419 (office), 610.937.4679 (cell)
Kdiguiseppe@pahousegop.com
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