|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
House
Democratic Caucus |
|
Democratic lawmakers prevail in sending responsible budget to state Senate
Along party lines, House votes to end budget stalemate, passes balanced budget bill
HARRISBURG, July 17 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a responsible, balanced Democratic-sponsored state budget (H.B. 1416) today that would continue the Commonwealth's investments in services and programs that matter to Pennsylvania's citizens, while making strategic and responsible spending cuts to reflect the state's current economic situation.
For the second straight day, House Democrats rallied to defeat Republican attempts to delay the budget process. Instead, House Democrats stood united for a plan that would move Pennsylvania forward toward a resolution to the state budget crisis. On Thursday, the House voted down a Republican amendment to the Democratic spending plan that would have had devastating effects on Pennsylvania's children, working families and seniors.
"Yesterday, we proclaimed loud and clear that the Republican approach to this budget would have ignored basic needs for our most vulnerable citizens and would have severely cut public education funding, causing property tax increases in school districts across the state," said House Majority Leader Todd A. Eachus. "Today, Democrats scored another victory for the people of Pennsylvania by passing a responsible budget that invests in our future."
Today's action showed responsible leadership by House Democrats, as they successfully won passage of H.B. 1416 by a vote of 104-95.
"This is a hugely positive step forward to getting this budget passed without sacrificing vital programs that millions of Pennsylvanians depend on -- both directly and indirectly," said Speaker of the House Keith McCall, D-Carbon. "This budget is responsible, reasonable and is a spending plan that meets the needs of today while making sure we’re preparing for tomorrow."
House Appropriations Chairman Dwight Evans, D-Phila., said the passage of H.B. 1416 is the culmination of months of hearings and discussions, and it reflects the needs and concerns of Pennsylvanians.
"The needs of the Commonwealth should drive the numbers, not the other way around. Funding half a program does not make the other half of the need go away," Evans said. "I believe the Democratic proposal addresses the needs and priorities expressed by the Pennsylvanians we talked to over the last seven months. It addresses basic education. It funds health-care services for our most vulnerable seniors, the disabled, children and veterans. It makes investments in our communities."
House Bill 1416 has been sent to the Senate for consideration.
###