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State Budget Highlights |
Dear Friends of the 44th House Legislative District,
Last week the state house voted 140-62 in favor of a $33.997 billion state budget proposal which will continue to grow our state’s economy, educate our students and help create new jobs. I supported this year’s budget because I believe it is a step in the right direction to living within our means.
Taking part in the state budget process for the first time as a state representative, my priorities were to hold government accountable, promote fiscal responsibility and strengthen our Commonwealth's business climate. I believe this budget matches those priorities and moves the state in the right direction.
This wasn’t a perfect budget but overall, we were able to stay within our boundaries and not raise taxes.
I am really pleased to give you the highlight of this year’s budget below. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 412-262-3780.
Sincerely,
Valerie Gaydos
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Key Highlights from This Year’s State Budget
Saving for the Future and Living Within Our Means
An important part of this budget was saving money and growing our state’s Rainy Day Fund. Thanks to smart budgeting, this budget took an historic step by committing 100% of the General Fund balance at the end of June 2019, which is estimated to be about $317 million (We have already seen the growth of this savings in the last 10 days!), and transferring it into our state’s primary “savings account.” While I think we need to keep saving for rainy days, and continue to work toward living within our means, I believe this is a good start and I hope to see this trend continue into our future.
The state’s Rainy Day Account will be used when the economy hits a downturn and revenue collections are weak. When times are good, we want to take advantage and save money for possible future times of need.
Educating for Success
Education funding in this state budget is the highest in Pennsylvania’s history. This budget proposal commits an additional $432 million to preK through 12th-grade education. As a member of the House Education Committee, I believe these investments empower Pennsylvanians to educate for success and create better opportunities for family-sustaining careers for every resident of the Commonwealth.
In the 44th district, every public school district will receive an increase:
• Avonworth School District: $201,646 or
• Moon Area School District: $654,853 or
• Quaker Valley School District: $278,809 or
• West Allegheny School District: $466,453 or
Higher education institutions will also benefit from this budget with an across-the-board 2% increase in funding for community colleges, state-related universities (Penn State, Pitt, Temple and Lincoln) and the State System of Higher Education.
School Safety
This budget authorizes a second year of school and community security grants with a $60 million investment.
Human Services
This budget adds an increase of $26.3 million for mental health services, which includes funds to provide home and community-based services for those currently living in state hospitals.
Police and Protection
State police will see an increase of funding by $97 million, and an additional $9.7 million for three new classes of cadets.
Agriculture
Agriculture is Pennsylvania’s No. 1 industry and this budget makes a big investment in agriculture. In this budget, ag programs will receive $19.5 million more, or a 12.8% increase.
Workforce Development
Building on the bipartisan efforts that passed the career and technical education legislative package through the House, this budget includes an increase of $10 million to fund workforce development and job training initiatives, which is broken down as follows:
• Increasing funding for Career and Technical Education by from $92 million to $99 million.
• Increasing funding for Career and Technical Education Equipment Grants by from $2.5 million to $5.5 million.
No Inheritance Tax for Children
Importantly, as part of the budget package, the inheritance tax for transfers of property from parents to children under the age of 21 is being reduced from 4.5% to 0%. This is commonsense policy. No young child who lost their parents should be taxed with an inheritance tax. I was happy to support the legislation to eliminate this.
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Follow Along with Me on Social Media
To stay up-to-date on legislative news in the 44th and around the Commonwealth, please follow me on social media (Facebook.com/RepGaydos, Instagram.com/RepGaydos and Twitter.com/RepGaydos) and look for the hashtag #WorkingforPA44!
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| 1009 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 220, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Phone: (412) 262-3780, Fax: (412) 262-3783 |
| Capitol Office: |
| Room 428, Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202044, Harrisburg PA 17120-2044 | Phone: (717) 787-6651 | |
| Email: vgaydos@pahousegop.com |
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