Rep. Sandra Major (R-Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) this week voted in favor of a state budget that contains no new or increased taxes and is $1 billion less than the governor’s original spending request. 

“The governor originally proposed a budget of roughly $29 billion and we were able to negotiate a final budget that was $1 billion less. In addition, where the governor wanted some $800 million in new and increased taxes to pay for his budget, we passed a final balanced budget that contained no new taxes,” said Major. “This was quite a feat given the economic climate we are currently experiencing.” 

Major said that one of the reasons the Legislature was able to balance the budget without tax increases was because of the implementation of several House Republican cost-saving measures including the additional use of purchase cards by the state (which work in a similar way to a cash back rewards credit card program), the recovery of tax refund errors and the successful tax amnesty program. 

“Through ideas we have been pushing, we were able to reduce state spending and direct those needed funds elsewhere,” said Major. “However, I am disappointed in the use of $850 million in federal money that was also used to balance the budget, as this money has yet to be approved by Congress. If this funding is not approved the budget will need to be revisited and more reductions in spending will need to be made. 

“I do not think this budget is perfect and many programs and services have suffered reductions in funding, but considering the $1.2 billion deficit we are currently facing and various other financial challenges, I think this is a fiscally responsible budget that meets our state obligations and doesn’t place any additional tax burdens on Pennsylvania’s working families.” 

The General Fund budget was passed in both the House and Senate and currently awaits the governor’s signature. 

Rep. Sandra Major
111th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(570) 278-3374
(717) 783-2910
Member Site:  RepMajor.com
Contact:  Tricia Lehman
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 772-9840
Caucus Site:  PAHouseGOP.com