Emrick Supports Budget that Controls Spending, Saves and Invests in Education

June 25, 2019

HARRISBURG – Today, Rep. Joe Emrick (R-Nazareth) voted in favor of a $33.9 billion budget that does not raise taxes or borrow for the future. It does make record education funding investments, demonstrating how responsible state budgeting pays off for hard-working Pennsylvanians.

The state’s economic growth born by responsible budget practices in the last eight years resulted in an increase to the sales tax collection, which is up 7.6% over last year. Personal income tax collections are up 5.3%, and the Corporate Net Income Tax is up just shy of 22%.

Those favorable conditions yielded the opportunity to invest more than $250 million in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, adding to last year’s $22 million investment.

“Because of our responsible budgeting practices, the state’s revenues are up, and we added more money to the Rainy Day Fund. This is what happens when government functions like a business in the private sector and financially responsible families all across the Commonwealth. Surpluses are being saved for tougher times, which protect taxpayers from tax increases during an economic downturn,” Emrick said.

The budget also makes record investments for school districts, which will be driven out via the new educational funding formula for the benefit of the 137th District. The funding for basic and special education helps to mitigate property tax increases, and our area school districts will receive the following funding increases:

• Bangor Area: $421,480
• Easton Area: $1,576,441
• Nazareth Area: $858,270

The budget now advances to the Senate for consideration.

To view video comments about the state budget from Rep. Joe Emrick, click here.

Representative Joe Emrick
137th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717-260-6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
RepEmrick.com / Facebook.com/RepEmrick