Harrisburg – June 29, 2016 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) said today that increased investments in basic and higher education were critical aspects of the state spending plan that was approved by the Senate today.
The legislation – Senate Bill 1073 – represents a $31.53 billion General Fund budget proposal. The measure passed the Senate 47 to 3. Tartaglione supported the proposal.
The revised budget proposal now returns to the state House for consideration.
Tartaglione’s comments about the passage of the state spending plan follow:
“There are significant fiscal challenges this year and revenues are scarce, so it is important to recognize the new investments in education. The state spending plan includes $250 million more for basic education, special education, Pre-K and Head Start and increases funding for higher education.
“The state budget plan that passed the Senate today stretched dollars to cover increased mandated expenses such as debt service payments, pension costs and corrections. The plan helps maintain human services initiatives and social safety net programs.
“I am pleased that this budget invests more in education and provides additional resources for schools.”
-30-