Jun. 28, 2016
HARRISBURG – Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon) today joined a bipartisan majority of her House colleagues in passing the Commonwealth’s General Fund budget plan for fiscal year 2016-17 by a vote of 132-68.
Helm issued the following statement regarding the legislation:
“We passed a balanced and sustainable budget plan without the need to raise the income or sales taxes of the hard-working constituents of the 104th District. For the second year in a row, we were able to hold the line on the governor’s massive tax-and-and spend proposals.
“I am especially pleased that we have provided for another historic investment in our public schools. Included in the $5.89 billion allocation is a $200 million increase for basic education, an additional $25 million for the Pre-K Counts program, a $20 million boost for special education and $5 million more for Head Start. This will be a big help to local school boards that are struggling with the possibility of raising property taxes.
“The budget bill raises new, recurring revenues from a mix of sources, including increased taxes on tobacco products, reforms to the liquor sales system, expanded gaming and a tax amnesty program.
“This is a good compromise that is good for the people of Pennsylvania.”
The legislation,
Senate Bill 1073, sets total state spending at $31.55 billion, which is $1.49 billion, or 4.8 percent, more than the current fiscal year due to mandated increases, such as additional funding for pensions, corrections and the state police. The budget plan does not call for increases in the Personal Income Tax or Sales and Use Tax. The bill now heads back to the Senate for concurrence.
Representative Sue Helm
104th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
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