Pyle Votes ‘Yes’ on No-Tax-Hike Budget
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-Armstrong/Butler/Indiana) today joined an overwhelming majority of the state House in approving a 2018-19 state budget that includes no new or increased taxes and makes significant investments in education and public safety.
For the first time in a decade, the budget also sets aside money for the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
“This budget sends more money to our schools to help our kids learn, keep them safe and prepare them for the jobs of the future,” Pyle said. “It invests in the core functions of government without overburdening our taxpayers. It’s a good example of responsible budgeting.”
The $32.7 billion spending plan reflects an increase of 1.7 percent over the current year, which is below the rate of inflation. It invests a record-high $12.3 billion in preK-12 education, including a $100 million increase for basic education funding, $25 million more for early childhood education and $15 million more for special education. A $60 million block grant will provide funding to schools for safety initiatives, and $30 million will be invested in career and technical education to help prepare students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
The budget also makes important investments in higher education with community colleges and state-related universities (Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln) receiving a 3 percent boost in funding. The State System of Higher Education, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania, will get 3.3 percent more.
The state’s struggling ambulance companies will see a boost in Medicaid reimbursement rates as well. Under
House Bill 2121, an additional $4 million in state funds and approximately $8 million in federal matching funds would be used to increase reimbursements for Advanced Life Support (ALS) services from $200 to not less than $300, and Basic Life Support (BLS) services from $120 to not less than $180. The rate increase would be effective Jan. 1, 2019.
“This is an important step to help our ambulance companies keep their doors open and continue their life-saving services,” Pyle said.
The budget also includes funds to help protect communities by training more state police troopers, caring for those with intellectual disabilities and supplying services for families affected by the opioid crisis.
The measure now goes to the Senate for its consideration. More information about the budget is available at
PAHouseGOP.com.
Representative Jeff Pyle
60th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Charles Lardner
717.260.6443
clardner@pahousegop.com
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