A budget at last

Last week, after months of failing to vote on our House budget bills, the state Senate finally came to the table. On Wednesday, the House and Senate passed – and the governor signed – a new state spending plan that will get critical dollars flowing to our public schools, municipalities, and vital programs and services for residents.

The new budget isn’t perfect – no budget ever is – but I voted for the plan because it makes our public schools a priority – delivering more than $600 million to meet our constitutional mandate to fairly fund our schools and level the playing field for students in less-affluent ZIP codes. The budget also distributes back to schools statewide more than $178 million in savings achieved through cyber charter reform. Here in the district, our schools will see across-the-board increases.

The new budget also provides for the first Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit. Families who qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit will also qualify for the state tax credit, equal to 10% of their federal EITC.

A state Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit is again part of the new budget. The state tax credit is available to Pennsylvanians who are eligible for the federal child care tax credit and is equal to 100% of the federal credit.

Visit this page to read more about why I voted for the new budget.

Last Monday in Homewood, I joined local officials and family members of Pete Hill for an honorary street renaming to recognize this late, great baseball legend. Said to be the 7th best baseball player ever, based on statistical analysis, Hill was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. You can read more about him here. Thank you to City Councilman Khari Mosley and Pete Hill’s family for the invitation!

On Wednesday, our district office director, Aaron, joined school board members and local officials for a special ceremony at Woodland Hills School District to recognize student hero Xaiveyon McMillan-Taylor, who saved a neighbor from a house fire in October. We presented Xaiveyon with a House legislative citation to recognize his courageous actions, which you can read more about here.

The Woodland Hills Impact Center is hosting a Thanksgiving Feast celebration on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. at its headquarters located at 235 4th St. in Rankin. Enjoy a holiday meal with neighbors and participate in family crafts, bingo, a gift card giveaway, holiday movies, and a raffle.

There will also be turkey giveaway, with 50 turkeys distributed to families in need. Visit this page to register.

Thank you to Greater Valley Community Services and HOOP for inviting our office to join their family dinner last Tuesday to usher in the season with food, friends, and music.