Jun. 20, 2018
HARRISBURG — Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement in response to passage of the Fiscal Year 2018-19 state budget:
“This budget is the culmination of four years of hard work to show a pathway to prosperity without raising taxes. We erased a $2 billion deficit by making government live within its means and by crafting reasonable and responsible budget plans.
“This budget again increases basic education funding by $100 million, $25 million for early childhood education, $15 million for special education, $30 million for career and technical education and $33 million for higher education. Since I first took office, we have increased education spending by $805 million without a signature from the governor.
“As the sponsor of school safety legislation, I was pleased we were able to create a $60 million block grant program for our schools to make needed security improvements. Schools can apply for funding to meet their specific priorities. No student should fear for their safety while receiving an education.
“Finally, the budget increases Medicaid reimbursements for emergency medical service providers. Many ambulance companies are struggling financially because it costs more to provide services than they receive in reimbursement rates. This would be the first increase since 2004.
“It is important to remember there is still a lot of work to be done on our state budget as we move to next year’s budget. We need to continue to evaluate programs to ensure they are still relevant and continue to fund programs that work and provide value to the people of Pennsylvania.”
For more information on 2018-19 state budget, visit www.pahousegop.com.
The 46th Legislative District includes Collier and South Fayette townships and Bridgeville, Heidelberg, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Canton, Cecil, Mt. Pleasant, Robinson and Smith townships and Burgettstown, McDonald and Midway boroughs in Washington County.
Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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