Jun. 25, 2021
HARRISBURG – Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) announced that the 2021-22 budget has passed the House of Representatives. There is a total spend of $39.78 billion in general fund dollars and $1.04 billion in federal relief funds that support the Commonwealth’s fiscal future, education, police forces, infrastructure, elections, communities and most vulnerable populations. The budget includes no new taxes and no new fees.
“In a year when economic recovery is more important than ever due to the impact of the pandemic, I think we have crafted a responsible budget to address our most pressing issues now while saving for our future,” said Mihalek.
To ensure fiscal responsibility, the Legislature was able to allocate more than $2.52 billion for the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund. This money can be used for future emergencies and spending. This also helps prevent any future tax increases.
Also included is a promise to support education at all levels, whether students attend a traditional public school, a public charter school or a private/parochial school. The budget sets a record high $13.55 billion for PreK-12 education. It also supports children who have suffered educational losses throughout the pandemic and supports the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education system redesign.
Infrastructure and jobs are supported in the budget with $279 million allocated for transportation infrastructure and $44 million allocated for career and technical schools.
The budget will protect the state’s most vulnerable citizens by allocating $282 million to help nursing homes, assisted living and personal care homes as they still have hefty costs related to COVID-19. It will also protect communities with funding for an additional 180 troopers, as well as violence intervention and prevention training.
“I was honored to be part of the budget hearings as a member of the House Appropriations Committee and took my duty seriously to help craft a fiscally responsible budget,” Mihalek continued. “The budget process has been tedious, but after months of preparation, I am confident that it will economically rebuild our Commonwealth.”
Representative Natalie Mihalek
40th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Michelle Swab
717.260.6325
mswab@pahousegop.com
RepMihalek.com /
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