Jun. 20, 2018
HARRISBURG – On Wednesday, Rep. Aaron Kaufer (R-Luzerne) voted yes on Pennsylvania’s $32.7 billion state budget plan for fiscal year 2018-19 that contains no tax increases and seeks to enhance the communities and families within the Commonwealth. Kaufer made the following statement after the vote:
“I was pleased to vote on a state budget that is on track to be completed before the June 30 deadline. We have fortunately seen some economic growth here in Pennsylvania and have been able to keep costs under control; therefore, there was no need for any tax increases. Additionally, we were still able to increase funding for pre-K through 12th grade education by $450 million, that includes a new $60 million initiative which schools can use for school resource officers, metal detectors, school safety assessments and facility upgrades.
“In addition to maintaining fiscal restraint on spending, supporting educational opportunities at all levels and fostering safer learning environments for our students, this budget also seeks to protect our communities and our most vulnerable citizens. There is funding to provide services to nearly one thousand individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism currently on the waiting list. There is also funding to provide evidence-based home visiting services to 800 families affected by the opioid epidemic, and a $4 million increase for our EMS agencies that have been struggling for years to do more with less.”
The 2018-19 state budget represents a 1.7 percent increase over the current fiscal year budget, which is below the rate of inflation. This budget is the result of prudent spending, an improved economy and responsible policies.
Representative Aaron Kaufer
120th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives