Jun. 27, 2015
HARRISBURG – In his first vote on a state budget, Rep. Tedd Nesbit (R-Mercer/Butler) today supported a $30.18 billion plan to fund the core functions of state government for the 2015-16 fiscal year without raising taxes on Pennsylvania’s hard-working families and job creators.
“Pennsylvanians – especially those who live in Mercer and Butler counties – expect us to be good stewards of their tax money, and this budget reflects that priority,” Nesbit said. “This budget addresses the needs of our state – funding our schools, ensuring public safety, fostering economic growth and protecting the most vulnerable – and it does so without raising taxes. The people of the 8th District expect a state budget that holds the line on spending, and this plan is able to do that.”
By holding the line on spending, the $30.18 billion budget is just a 3.6 percent increase over the current fiscal year, which ends on Tuesday. It takes advantage of savings from line items that have not been used for years and higher-than-anticipated state revenue.
Among the highlights of the budget is $100 million in basic education funding to local schools. Every school district in the 8th District receives an increase in the basic education subsidy over last year and receives additional dollars to help with their pension obligations. Other education increases are directed toward higher education, including a 3 percent increase for Butler County Community College and the State System of Higher Education, which includes Slippery Rock University.
Human service line items also benefit from the budget, as increases are included for home- and community-based services, long-term care, services to persons with disabilities, domestic violence and rape crisis programs, and drug and alcohol programs. In fact, a designated fund is being established to help adults with special needs through enhanced funding to address the waiting list.
“I am hopeful the administration realizes that this budget is a responsible proposal that addresses Pennsylvania’s needs and funds our core priorities without a massive price tag,” Nesbit continued. “Our goal is to ensure that every dollar is used as wisely as possible, and this budget keeps us on a path of sustainable growth, economic opportunity and core priorities. Our citizens deserve no less.”
The budget bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Representative Tedd Nesbit
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
jkeaton@pahousegop.com
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