Mar. 16, 2016
HARRISBURG – In an effort to keep schools open and finish the 2015-16 state budget, Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver/Washington) today voted to send a supplemental budget plan to the governor’s desk. House Bill 1801 restores cuts made by the governor when he signed the majority of the current budget into law in December.
“Our schools are on the verge of shutting their doors, our hospitals are curtailing services, employees are at risk of losing their jobs and the governor is letting all of this happen in the name of higher taxes. I cannot, in good conscience, allow that to occur, so today I joined a majority of my colleagues in voting to avoid these dire consequences,” said Christiana.
The $30 billion budget increases basic education funding by $200 million and restores Wolf’s vetoes to agriculture, correctional facilities, hospitals, child advocacy centers and higher education without the need for broad-based tax increases.
“Pennsylvanians have endured gridlock long enough; it’s time to finish the 2015-16 budget so we begin working toward a responsible, on-time fiscal plan for next year,” said Christiana.
Despite calls from Pennsylvanians to finish the 2015-16 budget, Wolf has threatened to veto the Legislature’s latest budget plan.
“The governor’s choice today is simple: He can choose to do the right thing and keep the lights on in our schools or he can turn his back on them again and continue being an obstructionist who favors his personal agenda over the well-being of our students, farmers, hospitals and many others,” Christiana added.
Representative Jim Christiana
15th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepChristiana.com /
Facebook.com/RepJimChristiana