Jun. 25, 2021
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Barry Jozwiak (R-Berks) today in Harrisburg voted for the state budget bill approved by the House that would fund the core functions of government without raising taxes or increasing any fees while also setting money aside in the Commonwealth’s version of a family savings account.
“This budget protects taxpayers now by preventing the governor’s tax increase proposals and will help avoid tax hikes in the future by setting aside money for future expenses,” Jozwiak said.
The state budget bill spends nearly $40 billion in state funds and an extra $1 billion in federal relief money.
The budget at the same time sets aside more than $2.5 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, which is comparable to a family’s savings account. It also preserves more than $5 billion in federal relief funds to be used in future budgets.
“Rather than spending all the money at once, we are setting some aside to prevent future tax increases,” Jozwiak said.
The budget will spend $279 million in federal relief funds to pay for transportation infrastructure projects. Road and bridge repair projects traditionally are funded in the Commonwealth using revenue collected through the state tax on gasoline. The decline in driving caused by the pandemic left less money for these critical projects.
“Our roads and bridges are the veins and arteries of our economy,” Jozwiak said. “We want to make sure people can get to work, and goods and services can be delivered to customers.”
The budget also includes funding for two additional Pennsylvania State Police cadet classes, which will add up to an additional 180 troopers to protect communities throughout the Commonwealth.
“This budget represents a fiscally responsible approach that provides for today while planning for tomorrow,” Jozwiak said.
The state budget bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
More information about Jozwiak is available on his website at
RepJozwiak.com or by following him on Facebook at
Facebook.com/RepJozwiak.
Representative Barry Jozwiak
5th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Dan Massing
717.772.9845
dmassing@pahousegop.com
RepJozwiak.com /
Facebook.com/RepJozwiak