Jozwiak Votes for Emergency State Funding Bill Approved by House
HARRISBURG – With no long-term state budget agreement between the governor and legislators within sight, state Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) today in Harrisburg voted for an emergency state funding bill that would release money for students, senior citizens and Pennsylvanians in need.
“We’re taking action now to address this problem,” Jozwiak said. “We want to alter the status quo by releasing the money held up by the governor’s veto.”
The state House and Senate in June approved a balanced, on-time state budget that included no new or increased taxes. Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed it.
The General assembly then offered a comprehensive state budget compromise that would have privatized state liquor stores, reformed the Commonwealth’s public pension systems and provided more state dollars for items important to the governor. Wolf rejected it.
“At some point, the governor is going to have to say ‘yes’ to Pennsylvanians who depend on a state budget,” Jozwiak said.
The emergency state funding bill would provide approximately one-third of the annual funding for most state government programs and services. This would enable schools, government agencies and human service providers to continue operating while lawmakers finalize a full state budget agreement.
The bill approved today by the House includes no new or increased taxes.
Wolf continues to call for nearly $5 billion in tax increases this year and an additional $8 billion in tax hikes next year.
The state House earlier this year unanimously voted down the governor’s tax hike proposal.
“There wasn’t a single state representative – Republican or Democrat – who was willing to vote for the governor’s huge tax hikes,” said Jozwiak. “His massive tax increases are not very realistic.”
The emergency state funding bill now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law or vetoed.
The governor also has the authority to approve some appropriations in the emergency state funding bill while vetoing others.
“We hope the governor will take reasonable action by releasing funds for programs and services that enjoy broad, bipartisan support,” Jozwiak said. “I would urge the governor to stop withholding funds from programs and services that serve Pennsylvanians.”
Residents can learn more about Jozwiak at
RepJozwiak.com and can follow him on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepJozwiak.
Representative Barry Jozwiak
5th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
RepJozwiak.com /
Facebook.com/RepJozwiak