HARRISBURG – Rep. Bob Brooks (R-Allegheny/Westmoreland) joined a majority of his colleagues in the state House on Thursday by voting in support of a $42.3 billion budget that increases investments in key areas. Following the vote, Brooks issued the following statement:
“This budget includes no new taxes, and it funds the core functions of government. A major priority of mine is to make sure all of our students receive proper schooling. This budget increases our commitment to public education and school choice. Basic education funding would increase by $525 million to $7 billion. Early childhood education would see a $60 million increase while special education funding would see a $100 million increase, to $1.3 billion. This budget will also include a level up initiative at $225 million which will provide additional funding to the poorest 100 school districts. It includes $100 million through the School Safety and Security formula, and $100 million for a mental health initiative in schools. Additionally, the budget provides better education choices and opportunities for kids by increasing funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) to $405 million, a boost of $125 million or 45%.
“Pennsylvania has the nation’s second highest Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) at 9.99%. This rate scares new companies from starting a business in the Commonwealth. We lowered it by one full point to 8.99%. It is a start to show companies we are making a concerted effort to attract employers to Pennsylvania. We have also agreed to reduce the CNIT by 0.5% annually until it reaches 4.99% by 2031.
“To help smaller businesses as they continue their COVID recovery and deal with inflation, the budget will expand expense deductions to help encourage businesses to buy equipment and invest and grow in Pennsylvania. In addition, small businesses will be permitted to defer (or carry forward) tax liabilities on gains from similar property exchanges – as allowed in 49 other states.
“We need to think about our future and this budget sets aside $2.1 billion for the Rainy Day Fund, which will help the Commonwealth maintain programs and operations during economic downturns. Our Rainy Day Fund now totals $5 billion.
“Recognizing the ongoing costs related to COVID-19 and workforce struggles, this budget allocates funding of $250 million to raise Medicaid rates for basic life support, advance life support and $35 per day increase to nursing homes.
“Properly funding our police and making sure our streets are safe is a necessity. This budget will allow the Pennsylvania State Police to train two new cadet classes to protect communities throughout the state. Local police and law enforcement will also benefit from $135 million in one-time federal relief funds for local law enforcement support grants.
“Continuing my commitment to reducing and eliminating property taxes, this state budget provides for a one-time, 70% enhancement for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program for low-income seniors. In order to help vulnerable Pennsylvanians heat their homes and keep the lights on, the budget provides addition funding for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help them cope with inflation and higher utility costs.
“This budget invests in our kids, communities and resources. I will continue to stand up for taxpayers.”
For more information on the 2022-23 state budget, go to
www.pahousegop.com/statebudget.
Representative Bob Brooks
54th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
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