The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved Wednesday the Fiscal Year 2018-19 General Appropriation bill (House Bill 2121) by a vote of 188-10.
The budget is expected to be sent to the governor before June 30, following anticipated approval by the Senate.
The $32.7 billion spending plan increases growth by 1.7 percent, which is below the 2.13 percent rate of inflation, does not require any additional revenues and officially erases the budget deficit, a press release from the House Republican Caucus said.
“It was just three years ago the Democrats exclaimed that more and more taxes was the only answer for a $2 billion deficit,” House Republicans said in a joint statement. “We didn’t agree and believed we had a better way… by controlling spending and holding the line on taxes. Thanks to reasonable, responsible budgeting, three years later the deficit is gone, and we have a surplus. We call that success.”
This budget includes $12.3 billion for pre-k through 12th-grade education as well as increased investment in career and technical education and the Pennsylvania higher education system. The bill also includes new investments in special education and early learning.
“With Governor Wolf’s leadership and House Democrats fighting for a Plan for Pennsylvania that focuses on the everyday concerns of most people, we are finally starting to see budgets that reflect the values and priorities our residents hold dear — quality education, good jobs and a healthy economy that delivers for everyone,” House Democratic Appropriations Chairman Joe Markosek said.
Lawmakers expect to advance related measures in the coming days to provide additional funding to make schools safer for students and staff, a press release from the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus said.
“A quality budget does not simply focus on more spending but ensures state government is managing its current resources efficiently and effectively,” the joint statement said. “We have successfully balanced our state budget so we can now fully focus on growing our economy and invest in the future of our Commonwealth, without asking taxpayers to foot an unrealistic bill.”