Kauffman Supports Passage of On-Time, No Tax-Increase Budget

6/27/2015

HARRISBURG – Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-Franklin) today joined the majority of his House colleagues in passing a $30.18 billion budget plan that increases funding for education and human services without any tax increases on Pennsylvania citizens.

“The plan we approved today will help carry Pennsylvania forward by spending within our means, not overburdening taxpayers with any additional taxes, and investing in areas that promote future growth,” said Kauffman.



The budget plan passed today makes the following increases to education: $100 million for basic education, $20 million for special education, $25 million for Pre-K Counts and $5 million for Headstart. It also provides an increase of 3 percent to community colleges, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools and state-related institutions.

“We have made these increases to education without the massive tax hikes proposed by the governor,” said Kauffman. “Futhermore, one of the core functions of government is to help those in need, and this budget also does that. We have increased funding for home- and community-based services by $96 million, and increased funding by $41 million for services to help those with disabilities.

“Franklin County has a great deal of rich farmland and businesses that rely on our agricultural industries, which is why I am also pleased that our budget provides $23 million in new funding for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,” noted Kauffman. “This funding will help support the important agricultural programs that the governor wanted to eliminate under his budget plan.”

Kauffman also stressed under the budget that Republicans were able to carve out an additional 10 percent in funding for our state’s Veterans Homes, which help countless men and women who have faithfully served our country.

“Our budget is prudent and fiscally responsible, yet still manages to increase spending in critical areas. This is a strong budget plan that sets Pennsylvania on the right path for future economic stability, while not burdening our residents with any new or increased taxes,” said Kauffman. “The governor is already proclaiming he plans to veto the budget, but I am hopeful he will take a good look at the solid proposal we put in front of him and recognize the merits of our budget. If the governor signs this budget into law, it would be on time, not raise taxes and still increase funding for education and other key areas of the budget.”

The budget now goes to the state Senate for approval before going to the governor’s desk.

Representative Rob Kauffman
89th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact:  Tricia Lehman
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepKauffman.com