Mar. 16, 2016
HARRISBURG – Today Rep. James R. Santora (R-Delaware) supported a budget that would prioritize funding for Pennsylvania schools without relying on new taxes. The 3 percent increase over the 2014-15 budget balances with funds that have been unused in the General Fund as well as spending reductions.
“This vote would not only restore the $3.26 million that the governor cut from school districts in the 163rd District with his latest veto, but it would also dedicate additional funding,” Santora said. “Our students need this funding so they can continue to receive an education, and I hope Gov. Wolf remembers that when he reviews the bill.”
House Bill 1801 builds on the record funding for Pennsylvania schools that was sent to the governor’s desk in December. The legislation prioritizes children of the Commonwealth by making even greater investments in education.
“We have worked to dedicate more funding to basic education than was in the last budget sent to the governor. With a $200 million increase, I am optimistic that everyone can come together to drive funding out to our schools,” Santora said. “Then, when the 2015-16 budget negotiations have been finalized, I will work to achieve additional funding in next year’s budget.”
Santora plans to pursue additional education funding in the 2016-17 budget: $350 million for basic education and $50 million for special education.
In addition to investing in basic education, House Bill 1801 would restore millions of dollars that Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed from higher education in the Commonwealth, including for community colleges and the State System of Higher Education. It also fully funds the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University and Pennsylvania State University – providing a 5 percent increase for the institutions over what was allocated the previous fiscal year.
Since
House Bill 1801 passed on concurrence in the House, it now goes to the governor for consideration. For more information on the budget, please visit
www.pahousegop.com.
Representative James R. Santora
163rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepSantora.com /
Facebook.com/RepSantora