House Republican leaders issued a statement Tuesday in response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s proposed 2019-20 budget, which would increase state spending by approximately $1 billion.
The governor presented the $34 billion spending proposal Tuesday in front of a joint session of the General Assembly.
“The budget proposal that we have been presented with is simply the starting point for our budget negotiations,” Republican leaders said in their statement. “During the next three weeks, the House Appropriations Committee will hold hearings to thoroughly examine the governor’s budget proposal. Our focus will be on creating a budget that keeps spending growth low, fosters an environment for job creation, and creates value for our hard-working taxpayers throughout Pennsylvania.”
The plan Wolf presented in his budget address includes the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center, which aims to bring public and private sector experts together to help connect skilled workers with jobs.
“We welcome the governor’s support for improving Pennsylvania’s workforce development platform and share in the desire to attract and grow businesses that provide high-paying, family-sustaining jobs,” the Republican leaders said. “However, we also remain committed to regulatory and tax reforms that will allow our economy to grow and provide better opportunities for all Pennsylvanians.”
The proposed budget also includes increases of $200 million for basic education, $50 million for pre-k and Head Start, $50 million for special education, $7 million for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, and $8 million in one-time grants for community college students or graduates working in Pennsylvania.
“Over the last decade, our Republican majority has consistently showed support for increases to basic education funding,” the Republican leaders said. “However, it is imperative that the increased funding reaches the classroom and directly relates to student success, and not just paying for ballooning costs at the institutional level.”