HARRISBURG – The state House on Tuesday advanced a key piece of legislation involved in passage of a spending plan for the 2017-18 fiscal year by approving House Bill 218, the General Fund appropriations portion of the state budget.
The bill, which may now be taken up by the state Senate, proposes a level of spending that is lower than its 2016-17 counterpart and the February budget proposal of Gov. Tom Wolf.
State Rep. Matt Gabler (R-Clearfield/Elk) issued the following statement upon passage of the legislation:
“I’m proud to join the majority of my House colleagues in taking a proactive role in managing the state’s budget to reduce spending and respect the wishes of our constituents.
“This budget would enable state government to operate fully and efficiently while fulfilling all core functions. It is also a spending plan that is stable, predictable and reflective of what all Pennsylvania taxpayers desire and deserve.
“We are leading by example in taking a 6.5 percent reduction to the state Legislature’s operating budget. By passing this legislation much earlier than in recent years, citizens are being given the opportunity to engage in the process and tell us their priorities well before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.
“There is still more work to be done and more steps in the process that will need to take place before we arrive at a final product; however, today’s vote is a historic effort to move toward a transparent, on-time budget that serves the citizens of our Commonwealth.”
Questions about this legislation or any state-related matter may be directed to Gabler’s DuBois office at 814-375-4688, his St. Marys office at 814-781-6301 or Clearfield office at 814-765-0593.
