Jun. 28, 2015
HARRISBURG— Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) joined a majority of House colleagues in passing a state budget bill that’s balanced and increases funding to local schools without raising taxes.
The $30.1 billion budget White supported keeps spending stable, yet increases funding for Philadelphia schools, environmental programs, and home- and community-based services, all without any new or increased taxes.
The budget uses the new Basic Education Formula that is fairer to Philadelphia and increases spending on basic education by $100 million, Pre-K Counts by $25 million, special education by $20 million, and increases spending on higher education by $41 million.
“The $5 million in additional funding we dedicate to Headstart will help more than 3,500 children, many in our city,” White said. “The $5 million it adds to the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program will encourage more businesses to provide funding for innovative educational programs in public schools.”
The budget also dedicates $96 million more for home- and community-based services, which will allow an expansion of services to more than 3,700 seniors.
“I believe the working-class people I represent want to be able to spend their hard-earned money on their families, not more on taxes,” White said. “I also believe that people want their governor and General Assembly to work together to transcend party lines and make budget decisions that are in the best interest of Pennsylvanian’s both now and in the future. At the end of this budget process I believe we will have accomplished this.”
House Bill 1192 now goes to the state Senate for a vote.
Representative Martina White
170th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: David Foster
267.207.0207
dfoster@pahousegop.com
RepWhite.com / facebook.com/RepMartinaWhite