“Completion of the
2018-2019 State Budget over a week before the June 30th budget deadline is a
true testament to what can be accomplished when we work together,” Scarnati
said. “Just as in previous years, Senate Republicans’ goal continues to be
protecting taxpayers from broad-based tax increases that have been detrimental
to Pennsylvania in the past. I am confident that this budget will set our state
on a path toward more quality jobs, better government, and safer schools.”
The budget also includes $60 million in new money for
initiatives to protect schools and students from violence. The new funding is in addition to the $10
million dedicated to an existing grant program created in 2013 by a law
authored by Scarnati.
The two grant programs will provide funding for a variety of
measures designed to improve student safety and reduce school violence,
including:
· hiring school
police officers, school resource officers, counselors and/or mental health
counselors;
· alternative
education and diversion programs;
· violence
prevention initiatives;
· school safety
and emergency preparedness plans;
· physical
upgrades to school buildings and equipment to improve safety.
“School districts will be able to apply for grants to
undertake both of these important services, as well as pay for physical
upgrades to school buildings and campuses, hire school security guards and
implement education programs to address school violence,” Scarnati said. “Our goal is to ensure local control to allow
each school district to evaluate its needs and vulnerabilities and apply for
funding to shore up any weaknesses that exist.”
In addition to the school safety funding, a significant part
of the additional spending in the budget is devoted to education. The budget
increases funding for Basic Education by $100 million, Pre-K Counts and Head
Start by $25 million, and Special Education by $15 million. Educational Improvement Tax Credits – which
help students trapped in failing schools – will also see a $25 million
increase.
Higher education is also a priority in the budget. State
System of Higher Education funding will increase by 3.3 percent, and funding
for state-related universities will increase by 3 percent. Community colleges
will also see a 3 percent boost in funding.
Additional funding is also included for the Pennsylvania
State Police to train three new cadet classes, which will result in nearly 300
additional troopers.
Other budget highlights include additional funding for:
· Services for
individuals with intellectual disabilities.
· Home and
community-based services for an additional 5,230 seniors and those with
physical disabilities.
· Child care
services to an additional 1,600 children.
· Home visit
services for 800 families impacted by the opioid epidemic.
· Career and
Technical Education to ensure Pennsylvania’s workforce keeps pace with the
demands of the labor market.
The budget also recognizes the importance of three
industries that have historically been among Pennsylvania’s most critical
sectors of the economy: agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, restoring
funding that the Governor’s original budget plan cut.
“Passing a fiscally
responsible budget this year is an absolute necessity in the face of the
daunting challenges we will face in the years to come,” Scarnati said. “But with those challenges come new
opportunities that could set our Commonwealth on the path to a brighter
economic future.”
