Nov. 20, 2020
HARRISBURG - Rep. Jeff Wheeland (R-Lycoming), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted in support of the FY2020-21 budget. Senate Bill 1350 appropriates $32.1 billion of state funds and $3.4 billion of federal stimulus dollars. The budget decreases state spending by more than $760 million, or 2.1 percent from last year, and it continues to fully fund schools and education as well as public health and community safety without any new taxes or tax increases.
“I was proud to support this responsible budget bill and I urge the governor to sign it into law,” said Wheeland. “We balanced this budget using existing resources and without tax increases or public borrowing, which is crucial during hard economic times like we are facing today. Taxpayers can also be assured that we preserved $243 million in the Rainy Day Fund to prevent future tax increases.”
The remaining $1.3 billion in CARES Act funding will be used to fund Pennsylvania’s public health and safety frontline workers and other core functions of government impacted by COVID-19.
“In signing the CARES Act into law, President Donald J. Trump, helped save Pennsylvania from a more dire budget situation and from being short-handed in resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Wheeland. “We are grateful for these CARES Act funds which this budget ensures will go a long way in protecting our frontline health care workers.
“Overall, this is a budget that protects taxpayers by reducing state government operating costs and invests in the health and safety of Pennsylvanians,” Wheeland added. “Our most vital services are covered, such as education and community safety, without raising taxes. This is a bipartisan, common sense, compassionate budget deal and I am proud to help get it closer to the finish line.”
Senate Bill 1350 passed the House on Friday with a vote of 104-97.
Rep. Jeff Wheeland
83rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives