Sep. 06, 2017 Download
In an effort to protect Pennsylvanians from widespread tax increases proposed as a method to close the state’s budget deficit, a group of House Republican Lawmakers unveiled a proposal to bring the Commonwealth’s spending plan into balance without dipping into the checkbooks of taxpayers. The “Taxpayer’s Budget” would utilize money currently sitting idle in over 200 state-held accounts and redirect it to close budgetary shortfalls.
Mar. 16, 2016 Download
Lawmakers took action Wednesday in the state capitol to provide essential funding for the remainder of the 2015/2016 state budget. The current year’s fiscal plan remains unresolved due to the Governor’s line-item vetoes of more than $6 billion for basic and higher education, as well as money for the Department of Corrections and agriculture programs. The House and Senate put forth the supplemental budget legislation to address funding holes created by the Governor’s vetoes and restore state funding for these programs. The funding bill approved today provides for a 200 million dollar increase for basic education, a 5 percent increase for higher education, and ensures that no schools will close in the Commonwealth. Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) said it is past time to complete the budget before local schools and other crucial programs are forced to close their doors.
Feb. 09, 2016 Download
House lawmakers offered their reactions to Gov. Tom Wolf’s spending proposal for fiscal year 2016-17, which he announced today in an address before a joint session of the General Assembly. The governor’s budget plan would increase taxes on working Pennsylvanians and employers by $3.6 billion and spending by 10 percent, or $3 billion, and calls for $33.3 billion in total spending. To support his proposed spending plan the governor has proposed 15 new tax increases, including a retroactive increase in the Personal Income Tax on Pennsylvania workers.