West Montgomery Times

The Senate has taken significant steps towards finalizing the 2023-24 state budget with the approval of two major bipartisan budget implementation bills. According to Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), these bills address the remaining components of the budget that required additional budget implementation language.

"It’s good to finally get the budget done, and to do so in a way that respects the people who sent us here – the taxpayers," said Pennycuick. "These final budget bills were passed in a bipartisan manner, which demonstrates cooperation is possible without sacrificing our values."

The first bill, House Bill 1300, includes important and time-sensitive priorities. It received a bipartisan 45-5 vote and makes major investments in the future of Pennsylvania. Pennycuick highlighted the critical services that will receive funding through this bill, including emergency 911 systems, state police, and mental health programs.

"Passage of this critical measure finally closed out the budget process," said Pennycuick. "It is fiscally responsible and provides key investments in the services that Pennsylvanians rely on most."

The second bill, House Bill 301, received a bipartisan 43-7 vote and focuses on expanding education empowerment and access. Pennycuick emphasized the importance of this legislation in supporting public schools and providing hope to parents of students in underperforming schools through increased funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).

"Passage of this legislation provides key support to public schools while empowering and providing hope to more parents of students in underperforming schools by increasing funding for EITC," Pennycuick said. "Additionally, funding for libraries and community colleges will now be disbursed so that these critically important institutions can continue to serve our area."

Both House Bill 1300 and House Bill 301 were approved by the House of Representatives and signed into law by the governor, solidifying their place in the 2023-24 state budget. The bipartisan support for these bills demonstrates a commitment to Pennsylvania's future and the priorities identified by Senate Republicans earlier this year.

The completion of the budget process is a significant accomplishment, ensuring that key investments are made in the services that Pennsylvanians rely on while respecting the taxpayers. This bipartisan approach to passing the final budget bills sets a positive example of cooperation and prioritizes the needs of the people.

For more information, please contact Matt Szuchyt at (215) 541-2388.

To find out more, go to this link: https://senatorpennycuick.com/2023/12/15/pennycuick-final-2023-24-state-budget-funds-key-priorities-respects-taxpayers/