Gaydos Issues Statement on Pennsylvania’s Budget

November 20, 2020

HARRISBURG – The House of Representatives advanced a responsible, $32.1 billion budget on Thursday. Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), who voted to approve the General Appropriations bill, issued the following statement in response. 

“These unusual times have led to an unusual process. In May, the House passed a budget that fully funded education for the year, while funding the rest of state government for five months. We were able to pass a budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21 that does not borrow, does not cut vital services to those in need and most importantly, does not raise taxes. We are continuing to stand up for taxpayers. This budget contains modest reductions in state government operating costs which, in part, comes from tightening our own belts through measures like freezing our own pay as well as government employees.

“Once again, we balanced this budget using existing resources. As a result, K-12 education is fully funded as is public health and safety for our frontline workers who are critical to the continued COVID-19 response.

“Despite challenging times, this budget includes saving money in the Rainy Day Fund for future tough economic times. The fund will have $243 million remaining.

“In addition, total state spending decreases by more than $760 million, or 2.1% from last year, after adjusting for supplemental spending.

“Special fund balances are reduced, which is good for transparency. It all adds up to make this budget as fiscally responsible as possible while helping our constituents in their time of significant need.”

Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives