PA State Budget Funds Priorities

For the third consecutive year, the Pennsylvania General Assembly has passed a budget on time that does not raise taxes. The $28.4 billion spending plan focuses on priorities, such as education, health and human services, public safety, job creation and the environment. The struggling economy made for another difficult budget process, but I believe we have put together a fiscally responsible plan that moves Pennsylvania forward. 

Last week, I also joined a majority of my House colleagues in voting to strike down a provision in the 2013-14 Welfare Code which would have allowed for Medicaid expansion in Pennsylvania. We believe it would be a reckless and premature move at the present time because the governor has not received definitive answers from the Obama administration about the program. Medicaid currently eats up 27 percent of the entire state budget. Expansion of the program is estimated to cost up to $5 billion more, which could potentially bankrupt the Commonwealth and take funding away from critical programs, such as education.

The House recently approved legislation to allow for direct shipment of out-of-state wines to the homes of Pennsylvanians. House Bill 121 would permit shipment of an unlimited amount of wine to any state resident who is 21 years of age or older for personal use only. Pennsylvania remains one of 17 states to ban direct shipments. The measure now heads to the Senate for consideration.

I am pleased to report the House this week approved my legislation that would allow any Pennsylvania college or university to obtain a wine auction permit. House Bill 556 will now head to the Senate for consideration.

Last week, the Department of Revenue began issuing checks totaling $227 million to more than 482,000 older homeowners, renters and people with disabilities through the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. There is a still time to apply for rebate. The deadline has been extended to Dec. 31. My staff is available to provide assistance with the application. Please pass information about the program on to anyone who may be eligible for the rebate.