Budget Vote Expected in PA House on Monday. Here's How You Can Help.

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March 17, 2010

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is expected to vote on Monday, March 22 on a budget bill, H.B. 2279. The legislation incorporates spending levels proposed by the Governor in February. 

The legislation does not include any new revenue to restore cuts made last year or to offset proposed cuts for 2010-11. It does not include the Stimulus Transition Reserve Fund proposed to address an expected $2.7 billion shortfall next year.

This early vote is intended to signal lawmakers' desire to enact an on-time budget this year.  With passage, the bill goes over to the Senate for consideration; however, it is unlikely to move in the Senate for some time.

In an unusual move, House lawmakers have filed very few amendments to the bill.  No Republican lawmakers have posted amendments.  Only two Democrats have posted amendments - both would cut spending by $110 million as a protest against natural gas drilling on state land (the leases will raise that amount in revenue for the commonwealth).

Representative Greg Vitali's first amendment would cut the Legislature's budget by more than 30%. His second amendment would take $110 million from education.

Representative David Levdansky's amendment would cut $110 million from Corrections, Probation and Parole, Department of Public Welfare administration, Economic Development and Basic Education.

LEVDANSKY AMENDMENT A0599TO HB 2499
APPROPRIATION HB 2279 Amendment Difference
DCED  
   Commwealth Finance Authority $83,292,000 $65,039,000 ($18,253,000)
   Opportunity Grant Program $25,000,000 $9,000,000 ($16,000,000)
   Infrastructure Development $19,000,000 $15,000,000 ($4,000,000)
Corrections  
   Inmate Medical Care $246,299,000 $237,910,000 ($8,389,000)
Education  
   Basic Education $5,226,142,000 $5,176,339,000 ($49,803,000)
Public Welfare  
   General Government Operations $64,820,000 $60,682,000 ($4,138,000)
   Youth Development Institutes and Forestry Camps $79,117,000 $74,162,000 ($4,955,000)
Probation  
   Board of Probation and Parole $103,102,000 $99,051,000 ($4,051,000)
TOTAL $5,846,772,000 $5,737,183,000 ($109,589,000)

If any other amendments are posted to the bill, they are likely to cut spending.  There are no amendments that would increase funds for any line items at this time. 

How Can You Help?

You can make a difference by joining the Better Choices for Pennsylvania budget coalition. Coalition members will work in support of:

  • A balanced approach to the state budget shortfall.
  • A state budget that builds upon sound public investments. 
  • A state budget that addresses the immediate crisis and prepares for the future. 
  • A state budget that includes productive, stable revenue that reflects today's economy.

Learn more about the Better Choices for Pennsylvania coalition and download a sign up form. 

Action Alert: State Budget Vote on March 22

Advocates and individuals should also communicate with state representatives over the next five days.  Lawmakers need to hear that the budget does not fully protect vital services and does not include new revenue to restore cuts or prepare for the loss of stimulus funds in 2011.

See our action alert below and contact your state representatives. 

PA HOUSE TO VOTE ON THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET - H.B. 2279
Call your House members, Democrats and Republicans

THE MESSAGE:
The proposed Pennsylvania budget does not meet the needs of people struggling in the recession. It continues the approach of balancing the budget through cutting essential services that our vulnerable adults, children and families need.

Urge your State Representative to:

  • Reject any amendments that further cut vital services
  • Support a budget that restores funding to FY 2009 funding levels
  • Increase revenue to secure our investments in education and health care, and protect vulnerable adults, children and families

CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS TODAY:
For information or to send an email to your legislator, click here.