Jun. 25, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jim Rigby (R-Cambria/Somerset) today announced that the House of Representatives has passed
House Bill 790, the General Appropriations portion of the state budget, by a 140-62 margin.
Highlights include increases in funding for PreK-12 education and career and technical education (CTE), an increase in Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) funding and significant contributions to Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund. The budget also appropriates increased funding for Human Services programs designed to help combat Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis and assist those with mental and physical disabilities or diseases.
“I’m thrilled to see childhood education and CTE being prioritized in the budget,” said Rigby. “Additionally, I am very excited to see increased funding toward Human Services programs. The opioid crisis needs to be critically addressed, and I am glad to see those steps being taken.”
The budget spends a total of $33.997 billion - $149 million less than the governor’s February budget proposal. This is a 1.8% increase from the 2018-19 fiscal year, which is consistent with the rate of inflation.
Other important aspects of the budget include $300 million toward the pension debt, which will improve Pennsylvania’s bond rating, and funding for the Pennsylvania State Police without the application of the governor’s proposed municipality per-capita tax.
“I am happy with this budget and am excited to see it move to the next phase of the process,” Rigby continued. “It meets the many needs of Pennsylvanians and invests in key areas of importance while also keeping our spending in control and saving money for the future.”
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Jim Rigby
71st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Kevin DiGuiseppe
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