Helm Supports Responsible, No-Tax-Increase Budget
HARRISBURG – Rep. Sue Helm (R-Dauphin/Lebanon) today joined a majority of her colleagues in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in supporting House Bill 1192, legislation that establishes state funding priorities for fiscal year 2015-16. The vote was 112 to 77 in favor of the measure.
The $30.18 billion spending plan represents a $1 billion, or 3.6 percent, increase over the current fiscal year. It also holds the line on taxes while continuing to adequately fund the core functions of state government.
Helm is especially pleased the proposal adds considerable funding to education without increasing the tax burden of hard-working Pennsylvania families.
“Education continues to be one of our spending priorities and this budget comes through in that regard with $100 million more for our public schools,” said Helm. “We have increased the appropriation for the Pre-K Counts program by $25 million and there is $5 million more for Head Start. That extra funding means an additional 3,500 Pennsylvania children will benefit from these programs, which play a critical role in their early development. Our plan also includes a $20 million increase for special education.”
“In addition, the Commonwealth’s institutions of higher learning will see an increased appropriation under our plan. Funding for the state-related universities, the State System of Higher Education and community colleges was boosted by $41 million, or 3 percent. Penn State University’s share comes to $8.4 million more, while our community colleges, including Harrisburg Area Community College, will receive an additional $6.47 million,” Helm added.
House Bill 1192 now moves to the Senate for consideration, with the expectation it will arrive on Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk before the June 30 budget deadline.
“I would encourage the governor to end the rhetoric, sign the bill and put our responsible spending plan in place,” said Helm. “This budget is good for families. It is good for taxpayers and it is good for Pennsylvania.”
For more information on Helm and her legislative priorities, please visit SueHelm.net or Facebook.com/RepHelm.
Representative Sue Helm
104th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717.260.6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
SueHelm.net / Facebook.com/RepHelm