James Votes to Release Funding Held Up by Governor’s Budget Veto
HARRISBURG – Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Butler) today voted in Harrisburg with a majority of his colleagues in the state House to release state funding for students, rape victims and cancer patients, among others.
The funding has been held up since Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the state budget, leaving the Commonwealth without a state spending plan when the new fiscal year began July 1.
“We’re trying to release this funding so many Pennsylvanians will no longer suffer the effects of the budget veto,” James said.
While a majority of state representatives voted to release the funding, the measure came up short due to a rule requiring a two-thirds vote to override a veto.
“I am disappointed our efforts fell short because more of my colleagues did not join in the fight to provide funding for these important programs and services,” James said.
Republicans hold a majority in the state House. They do not hold enough seats to override a gubernatorial veto without help from House Democrats.
The House considered several measures to release funding for specific appropriations in the state budget approved by the House and Senate in June.
The move would have released funding for rape crisis and domestic violence services; cancer screening services; services for children with special needs; health care programs; and grants for students attending colleges or universities.
While the attempt to release the funding did not succeed, James said he will continue to look for ways to resolve the budget gridlock.
“We are trying to find ways to provide Pennsylvanians with a state government that works,” said James. “We are being met with gridlock and stonewalling. We’ll continue working to end the stalemate caused by the budget veto.”
Representative Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
dmassing@pahousegop.com
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