Jun. 25, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton) joined fellow representatives Tuesday to approve a no-tax-increase state budget that respects taxpayers, spends less than what Gov. Tom Wolf wanted and sets money aside in the Rainy Day Fund. In response to the spending bill, Topper issued the following statement:
“The funding portion of the 2019-20 budget that we passed in the House today spends less than $34 billion, which is far less than the $34.15 billion governor wanted to spend. This Republican-led budget also holds the line on taxes and reduces costs.
“We were able to reduce costs by eliminating the general assistance program, a $150 million line item that hadn’t been in existence for years until it was resurrected last year. We also reshaped the state bond process to reduce future state debt. This improves the foundation on which the state’s fiscal house is built and will protect taxpayers for years to come.
“Since I was elected to the House, Republicans have fought hard to keep spending in check and hold the line on taxes. The result of our efforts has been realized by taxpayers and by Pennsylvania in the form of increased revenue, which created a large surplus this year. Of the more than $800 million surplus, we were able to put at least $250 million into the Rainy Day Fund.
“Our budgeting policies have one thing in mind: Do what’s right for taxpayers. I believe we are on the right track with this budget.”
Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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