South Central PA News

Nearly a week before the state budget deadline, the House has approved a budget that maintains funding for essential state functions without introducing new taxes or fees. The 2021-22 budget consists of $39.8 billion in General Fund revenues and over $1 billion from federal pandemic relief funds. Additionally, it allocates $2.5 billion to the state's Rainy Day Fund, reaching a record $2.8 billion, while preserving more than $5 billion of federal relief funds for future budgets.

“We have all worked hard to get past the pandemic and restart our economy,” stated Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams). “This budget will help Pennsylvania citizens and business owners who have been struggling for far too long and will help to restore public confidence in our economic future. It will fully fund public education, public safety and provide for the health and well-being of Pennsylvania citizens."

Rep. Moul also mentioned that "Gov. Tom Wolf had proposed a $7 billion increase in the Personal Income Tax (PIT) this year," adding, "This is no time to be raising taxes. Our budget is about economic recovery after an unprecedented period of sacrifice and upheaval. It aims to help those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic and set a sound course for the future."

Senate Bill 255 addresses cost overruns by the Department of Human Services (DHS) that were not specifically approved by the General Assembly. According to Moul, ongoing cost overruns strain the budget and need to be addressed. The Fiscal Code included with this budget includes provisions preventing DHS from creating unauthorized programs.

The budget sets aside a record $13.6 billion for PreK-12 education funding, marking an increase of $300 million compared to previous allocations. This includes an additional $30 million for Early Childhood Education programs and an extra $50 million for special education.

Specific allocations for schools in the 91st Legislative District are as follows:

- Conewago Valley: $6.5 million, up 2%

- Fairfield Area: $3.6 million, up 1.1%

- Gettysburg Area: $8.5 million, up 4%

- Littlestown Area: $6.7 million, up 4.2%

The bill now proceeds to the Senate for further consideration.