Jun. 21, 2018
HARRISBURG - Rep. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) voted in favor of the 2018-19 state budget,
House Bill 2121, which invests an all-time-high into education while avoiding tax increases and borrowing.
“I am in support of this bipartisan budget that doesn’t ask for more of our taxpayers hard-earned money,” said Rothman. “Thanks to the economic growth in our state, we were also able to invest in our classrooms at a record-setting level.”
House Bill 2121 would increase Basic Education Funding by $100 million, early childhood education funding by $25 million, special education by $12.3 million, and adds more funding for higher education and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit.
Rothman added that a commitment to school safety was a priority in this year’s budget.
“This budget creates a new $60 million initiative to ensure a safe learning environment for students in our state,” said Rothman. “The funding will create a block grant program that school districts can tap into to ensure access to a variety of resources.”
Block grant funding will be available for:
- School resource officers.
- Metal detectors.
- School safety assessments.
- Facility upgrades and more.
The House budget also calls for supporting health advances and research. Included in the bill is a new Lyme disease line-item to help combat and treat those affected by this disease.
“Pennsylvania has been ground zero for Lyme disease,” said Rothman. “Our state leads the nation in Lyme Disease cases, so we need additional resources and funds to combat the problem. This budget will provide that.”
The budget legislation – House Bill 2121 – now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
Representative Greg Rothman
87th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Mike Madry
717.260.6587
mmadry@pahousegop.com
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