Jun. 20, 2018
HARRISBURG – Rep. Justin Walsh (R-Westmoreland) today issued the following statement in response to the House passing a Fiscal Year 2018-19 state budget that spends below the rate of inflation:
“The House budget passed today continues to keep Pennsylvania on track to reinventing itself and returning government to its core functions. The current year budget only increased spending by 0.2 percent over the prior year. This budget increases spending by 1.7 percent. Both of these increases are well below the rate of inflation.
“I came to Harrisburg committed to stopping broad-based tax increases and have stood my ground. The past two budgets are some of the smallest increases in recent years. In addition, I helped erase a deficit of about $2 billion.
“We have done all this while still increasing funding for all levels of education from pre-K to post-secondary. This budget also boosts funding for career and technical education so we have a trained workforce to answer the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s employers.
“Finally, we helped address a pressing need of our emergency medical service responders – Medicaid reimbursements not keeping up with current costs. It has been 14 years since these rates have been increased, which has caused serious financial strain for them. By raising the reimbursement rates, we are helping to ensure ambulance crews are available in an emergency.”
For more information on the 2018-19 budget, visit
pahousegop.com.
The 58th Legislative District in Westmoreland County includes Jeannette and Monessen cities, as well as East Huntingdon (part), Hempfield (part), Rostraver, Sewickley and South Huntingdon townships. Also, the district encompasses the boroughs of Adamsburg, Arona, Madison, Mount Pleasant, North Belle Vernon, Penn, Smithton, Sutersville and West Newton.
Representative Justin Walsh
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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