Lancaster County senators support advancement of budget bill

Lancaster County Sens. Ryan P. Aument (R-36) and Scott Martin (R-13) recently voted for a budget bill that includes a $33.97 billion spending plan, no new taxes, and increased funding for education and job training.

The $33.97 billion spending plan reflects an increase of 1.8 percent over the previous year’s budget. During the current fiscal year, state revenues exceeded estimates. The remaining balance of $300 million was deposited in the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

“The fact that we had a budget surplus this year is a direct result of prudent fiscal and pro-growth economic policies that encouraged smart investments and strategic budgeting to the benefit of Pennsylvania taxpayers,” Aument said. “This strategy is clearly working for Pennsylvania, and we should continue to manage taxpayer dollars conservatively to create an environment where every state resident can experience earned success.”

The lawmakers applauded the budget’s focus on education and workforce development, which includes an additional $4 million for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, a 27.2 percent increase over the previous year’s funding.

“The new funding for Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is an acknowledgment of the value of their phenomenal training programs, as well as our confidence that the additional dollars will be put to good use in training more students for family-sustaining careers,” Martin said. “The school has been on the cutting edge of training job-seekers for the careers of the 21st Century, and I look forward to seeing how Thaddeus Stevens uses the new funding to benefit students.”

The Basic Education line item received a $160 million increase, early childhood education funding increased by $30 million, special education funding increased by $50 million, early intervention funding increased by $15 million and higher education received a two percent increase. Lawmakers also restored a $15 million cut proposed by Governor Wolf to school safety. Lawmakers also restored proposed cuts to school safety and increased school safety funding by an additional $1 million.

Lawmakers also restored proposed cuts to agriculture and increased funding for the Department of Agriculture by $19.5 million.

“Lancaster County is a national leader in agriculture, and the industry is one of the most important sectors of our state and local economies,” Aument said. “Our farmers still face serious challenges, and we need to explore new ways to help them meet the growing demands of the market. I am thankful that we were able to take a number of steps to support the present and future of this extremely important industry.”