The Senate today (December 23) approved and sent to the Governor a fiscally responsible budget that would provide immediate financial relief to local school districts and social service agencies impacted by the prolonged budget impasse, according to Senator Michele Brooks. House Bill 1460, a $30.26 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2015-16, includes an increase in basic education funding. The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.
“We approved and sent to the Governor a fiscally responsible budget that will immediately release funding for school districts, social service programs, local governments and vital services for senior citizens,” said Senator Brooks. “It is imperative that the Governor sign this budget immediately to allow this funding to be distributed to ease the burden these agencies and organizations are under. The budget we approved uses the resources available to the Commonwealth in a responsible manner.”
Senator Brooks said the funding provided by the budget shouldn’t be a matter of partisan bickering.
“This is not about Republican, Democrat or politics. This is about the people of Pennsylvania and getting these necessary resources to them,” Senator Brooks said. “The state is collecting taxes, we are collecting revenue and so there is no reason that we shouldn’t be distributing that revenue instead of an entire state being held hostage. It’s about working together, communication and moving Pennsylvania forward.”
Contact: Chris Yniguez (717) 787-1322 cyniguez@pasen.gov