Jun. 25, 2019
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Buter) today in Harrisburg voted for a state budget bill approved by the House that would fund the core functions of state government without relying on any new or increased taxes.
“We want to keep every dollar possible in the wallets of the Pennsylvanians who earn them,” James said. “This budget focuses on protecting taxpayers now and in the future.”
The $34 billion spending plan would stow away more than $250 million in the state’s savings account, or Rainy Day Fund. The savings account is used by legislators when unforeseen emergencies, such as natural disasters, occur and require state funding. The account was drained during the economic downturn, and James says replenishing the account can help prevent future tax hikes.
“When something like a tornado or other disaster hits our Commonwealth, the savings account allows us to fund a response without raising taxes,” James said.
The spending plan also includes a $432 million increase in funding for students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
“We continue to invest in the education of our children,” James said. “We are providing more dollars for education than at any time in the Commonwealth’s history.”
State-funded colleges and universities also will benefit from a 2% increase in support.
“We are supporting our higher education institutions so Pennsylvanians can achieve the dream of a college or university diploma,” James said.
One thing that isn’t in the budget is Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed fee on communities that rely on Pennsylvania State Police for protection in their communities. Wolf wanted to charge a per-resident fee on municipalities that do not have their own police. James and his colleagues were able to fund the state budget without the governor’s police fee proposal.
“We have seen healthy tax revenues coming in because our economy is growing, and that allows us to invest more in programs and services without raising taxes,” James said.
The state budget bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
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