HARRISBURG – Reflecting the priorities and continued work of the House Republican Caucus, the 2019-20 General Appropriations bill passed the House of Representatives on Tuesday with bipartisan support.
House Bill 790 features no new taxes, no tax increases and no additional fees, continuing a multi-year effort that has resulted in increased revenues for the Commonwealth.
The House budget proposal focuses on several key priorities to stand up for Pennsylvania taxpayers and protect their hard-earned money today and in the future.
At the top of the agenda is saving money and growing the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Thanks to smart budgeting the proposed budget includes a deposit of more than $250 million into the state’s primary “savings account.”
“Taxpayers have entrusted us to be responsible stewards of their money,” House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) said.
“I believe this budget delivers on that promise. We are not asking taxpayers to dig any deeper into their own pockets, and in growing the Rainy Day Fund, we are better positioned to avoid tax increases down the road.”
The total spending proposed is $33.997 billion, a 1.8 percent increase over the current fiscal year, which is in line with the rate of inflation.
“This budget represents the hard work of the House, Senate and the governor and is one of the best budgets we’ve provided the taxpayers in the last 16 years,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York) added.
“We are making strategic investments in places that matter most to our constituents – growing education funding, special education and career and technical education.
“These investments empower Pennsylvanians to educate for success and open up doors to family-sustaining careers for every resident of the Commonwealth.”
Pre-K through 12th-grade education funding is increased by $432 million, to the highest levels in state history. Special education funding would be increased by $50 million, while career and technical education would receive an increase of $10 million, with separate increases for some of the highest-performing technical schools to help their pathways to success be used across the Commonwealth.
The House Republican proposal also shows major investments in agriculture, the state’s leading industry. The state’s farmers will see an additional $19.5 million in funding in this budget, an increase of more than 12 percent.
House Bill 790 now advances to the state Senate for further consideration.