Webster releases statement on state budget passage

HARRISBURG, July 6 – State Rep. Joe Webster, D- Montgomery, issued the following statement regarding his vote on the 2023-24 state budget that is headed to the desk of Gov. Josh Shapiro. 

“The 2023/24 Budget is a compromise. As Democrats, we stood firm against school vouchers to prioritize the future of our public education system. However, it was disappointing to see valuable programs and line items sacrificed in order to eliminate vouchers and pass this budget without further delay. 

“While this budget doesn’t finish the job in addressing decades of underfunded public education, we’ve now come farther than ever before in closing the gap.”  

Webster said the four school districts in the 150th Legislative District will all see increases in their state funding. 

  • $11,297,268 for Methacton School District, a 7.3% increase from last year. 
  • $31,953,809 for Norristown Area School District, a 18.5% increase from last year. 
  • $ 11,148,153 for Perkiomen Valley School District, a 7.1% increase from last year. 
  • $16,800,385 for Spring-Ford Area School District, a 10.4% increase from last year. 

“The budget includes much-needed funding for other important programs, including the modernization of the Department of Revenue, workforce development grants, and the Whole Home Repairs program. These and other investments will improve daily life for Pennsylvanians. However, I am committed to advocating for continued improvements to existing and developing programs that will support working families, citizens of all abilities and our senior population during the 2023-24 legislative session.” 

Webster represents the 150th Legislative District, which includes Collegeville, Trappe, Lower and Upper Providence, and West Norriton and serves on the Appropriations, Finance, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness, and State Government committees. For questions regarding the 2023/24 Pennsylvania Budget, residents can call Webster’s office at 484-200-8263 or email RepWebster@PAHouse.net