Benninghoff Votes to Release Emergency Funding
HARRISBURG – Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) today voted in favor of an emergency funding plan which would provide an infusion of more than $11 billion in funding for critical government functions like social service agencies and Pennsylvania schools, while state budget negotiations continue. The bills passed both the House and the Senate, and are on their way to the desk of Gov. Tom Wolf.
Benninghoff issued this statement following the vote:
“If signed by the governor, this plan will release funding from the political gridlock of Harrisburg and send it into our communities, where it is desperately needed.
“While an emergency funding plan is not the perfect solution to the state’s budget impasse, it has unfortunately become necessary. Over the last several weeks, I have spoken with many in my community who have been negatively impacted by the lack of state and federal funds. Some are without the critical services on which they have come to rely, parents are worried that schools will soon close, and others are even being furloughed from their jobs.
“It is not fair that taxpayers, who are being faithful in their payments to the government, are being failed by their governor. This is our fourth attempt to get funds flowing to these organizations. We have compromised, and are now giving him every dollar ($400 million) that he has requested for education. The time to send relief is now.
“While negotiations are ongoing, I plead with Gov. Wolf to do the right thing, put his political agenda aside and act in the best interest of Pennsylvanians. I urge him to realize the devastating impact withholding these emergency funds would have on those we serve.”
Representative Kerry Benninghoff
House Majority Policy Committee Chairman
171st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Wagner
mwagner@pahousegop.com
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