Takac applauds PA House passage of state budget bill
Rep. Paul Takac June 7, 2023 | 1:55 PM
HARRISBURG, June 7 – State Rep. Paul Takac, D-Centre, applauded Monday’s passage of H.B. 611, the initial budget proposal from the PA House of Representatives that would provide state appropriations for the July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024, fiscal year.
Takac said the budget bill builds on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget to provide for increased investments in education and fair funding to school districts; mental health services and solar power; grants to help provide fresh, nutritious food in both rural and urban low-income neighborhoods; expansion of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program; investments in infrastructure, veterans and seniors’ programs; tax credits for teachers, police officers and nurses; and additional investments in first responders and 911 call centers.
“With this bill, we can assist all Pennsylvanians, from our youth to our seniors, through investments in education, seniors’ programs and expansion of the PTRR Program,” Takac said. “Through funding for school and community mental health services, fair funding for public schools, and investing in solar power for schools, we can ensure students across the commonwealth continue their education in a safe, suitable learning environment. This bill was crafted with Pennsylvanians from all walks of life in mind.
“And, we’re working to make sure every community has access to affordable, nutritious produce with the Fresh Food Financing Initiative,” he added. “This funding will pay dividends to our rural communities in food deserts, some here in Centre County, that may not currently have access to high quality, local agricultural food products.”
The bill marks the start of budget negotiations in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
It passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
“While the Democratic majority in the House works for Pennsylvanians to create better jobs, better schools and safer communities, Republicans in the Senate continue to sit on their hands,” Takac said. “It is time we take action to invest in our communities to support our youth, seniors, veterans and first responders and 911 call centers.”