North Lancaster News

The Lancaster GOP House Delegation has voted in favor of a budget aimed at fully funding schools while maintaining government services. This decision comes amidst economic challenges attributed to the current administration's spending exceeding revenue intake.

House Speaker Bryan Cutler and Representatives Mindy Fee, Keith J. Greiner, Dave Hickernell, Brett Miller, Steve Mentzer, and Dave Zimmerman issued a joint statement regarding the budget. They emphasized that it plans for the future by saving $2.52 billion to ensure continued functionality of the Commonwealth and to offset potential decreased revenue.

The budget includes an increase in basic education funding by $300 million, reaching a historic total of $7.1 billion. Additionally, $44 million from federal relief funds is allocated for career and technical schools to address approximately 6,000 open manufacturing positions in Pennsylvania exacerbated by COVID-19.

Furthermore, the budget raises the Educational Improvement Tax Credit to $225 million, marking a 22% increase with an additional $40 million. The delegation highlighted support for agriculture as Pennsylvania’s leading economic sector by maintaining operational and research funding and increasing the PA State Food Purchase Program by $3 million.

To prevent unauthorized programs by the Department of Human Services, language is included in the Fiscal Code. The budget also allocates $279 million in federal funds for infrastructure projects without raising taxes.