Rep. Scott Boyd (R-West Lampeter) tonight released this statement on the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ vote to thwart passage of the House Republican balanced, no-tax-increase state budget plan:

 

“With a vote of 95-104, primarily among party lines, the House voted tonight to kill the only currently viable state budget plan that is balanced and does not impose a tax hike on Pennsylvania families.

 

“On Friday, the House will be faced with a final vote on House Bill 1416, the most expensive budget proposal in Pennsylvania history. The House Democrats’ budget plan increases state spending to $29.1 billion and eliminates all state funding for higher education to create the illusion of being balanced.

 

“My legislative district includes Millersville University and the Lancaster campus of Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) and borders the Thaddeus Stevens Institute of Technology. House Democrats voted today to completely strip state funding from all three. The State System of Higher Education universities, community colleges and the state grant program for moderate income families receive no funding in the plan. House Democrats contend that they are simply shifting the funding to a separate funding stream; however, they offer no funding mechanism to actually provide the necessary dollars for higher education.

 

“Clearly, the House Democrat plan puts these local schools and all Pennsylvania students who rely on grants and loans in jeopardy. In a hearing at the Capitol this morning, Dr. William Griscom, president of Thaddeus Stevens, testified that under House Bill 1416, the school will close by October. I expect House Democrats to push for a tax increase as their ‘magic bullet’ to eventually restore higher education funding. But unless swift action is taken, it could be disastrous for this important local school.

 

“I will not be supporting the House Democrats’ plan.  It equates to increased state taxes and puts local students and schools in squarely in the middle of this budget mess.  Using college students as leverage to extort tax increases is just wrong.  Frankly the governor and House Democrats should be ashamed.

 

“Hopefully the Senate will put this ridiculous proposal out of contention as they consider the bill next week.”

 

(717) 464-5285

(717) 783-6422

Contact: Diane Moore

House Republican Public Relations

(717) 772-9844