Benninghoff Praises No-Tax-Increase Budget with Historic Investments in Education
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) today praised a fiscally responsible $30.18 billion state spending plan that increases funding for education and continues to fund government programs that serve Pennsylvania’s vulnerable populations, without any new or increased taxes on Pennsylvania’s hard-working citizens.
The balanced budget was passed by the House and the Senate, and is now awaiting the signature of Gov. Tom Wolf. After today’s Senate vote, Benninghoff made the following statement:
“As we began the budgeting process, Gov. Wolf proposed a historic tax hike and a plan that would have increased state government spending by 16 percent in one year. That was an unrealistic request for Pennsylvania taxpayers, who needed government to be responsible stewards of their money, find real solutions and live within our means.
“Today, we put a good, fiscally sound spending plan on the governor’s desk that is rooted in reality, controls government spending, makes historic investments in education and is sustainable for future generations. This budget protects taxpayers.
“Prudent planning over the last few years has resulted in revenues higher than anticipated, which we are now able to dutifully invest in this year’s budget to fund critical government programs without any additional burdens on taxpayers.
“This budget invests in the future of our young people, with nearly $500 million in additional funding for K-12 education, including basic education, special education and Pre-K Counts and Headstart programs. The budget also fully funds Act 120 required school employee retirement contribution payments at $1.7 billion and increases higher education spending by $41 million.
“The spending plan protects the state’s most vulnerable residents by increasing funding for home- and community-based services for seniors, and services for persons with disabilities. It also includes a 10 percent increase to the state’s Veterans Homes and funds an additional 350 state troopers.
“I take seriously my responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars, and I believe we have achieved that with this budget. I urge our governor to uphold his constitutional obligation, sign the budget and move Pennsylvania forward.”
Representative Kerry Benninghoff
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman
171st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
717.260.6281
mwagner@pahousegop.com
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