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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Carroll |
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Carroll, Peifer introduce bill to make Pa. funding formulas more equitable
HARRISBURG, Feb. 7 – State Reps. Mike Carroll, D-Luzerne/Monroe, and Mike Peifer, R-Monroe/Pike/Wayne, are introducing legislation that would require use of the most recent federal census data in any formula used to distribute state funds.
The bill was drafted in response to a Legislative Budget and Finance Committee report indicating a serious funding equity problem for some counties due to outdated funding formulas that have not been properly adjusted to reflect population growth.
“In many cases, the formulas don’t provide sufficient money to account for inflation and increased population, which places an extra financial burden on citizens, school districts and local governments,” Carroll said. “Every funding formula that relies on population should accurately reflect the current population distribution in our state.”
“Some of these formulas date back to the 1990 census,” Peifer said. “The funding shortfalls that occur because of outdated formulas inhibit counties experiencing growth from meeting the needs of their residents.”
“The use of information dating back to a census other than the most recent one to determine any funding formula is poor public policy and diminishes the best possible return on state tax dollars,” Carroll said.
“The counties and school districts in our region are being shortchanged,” Peifer added.
The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee is a bipartisan agency consisting of 12 members of the General Assembly. The committee conducts studies and makes recommendations that would help eliminate unnecessary expenditures in state government and ensure that funds are being expended in accordance with legislative intent and law.
The bill is also co-sponsored by the other two House members representing Monroe County, Reps. John Siptroth (D) and Mario Scavello (R).
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