Rep. Pickett Comments on Budget Package
Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna) says the legislature is tackling the high business taxes that stifle growth in the Commonwealth.
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Rep. Tina Pickett Comments on State Budget Bill
Rep. Pickett stressed the importance of education funding, as well as money for state troopers and emergency services.
Rep. Pickett Comments on House Action to Approve the 2019-20 State Budget
House lawmakers have voted to support a 2019-20 General Fund budget that continues a multi-year effort to hold the line on taxes, fees and spending. Total state spending would be set at $33.997 billion, a 1.8% increase over the current fiscal year, which is in line with the rate of inflation. The plan provides for a record level of spending on education and includes a deposit of more than $250 million into the Rainy-Day Fund, the state’s primary “savings account.” Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford, Sullivan & Susquehanna) offered the following comments on the spending priorities of the budget plan.
Rep. Pickett Comments on Governor's Budget Proposal and the Need Address Funding Cuts
Gov. Tom Wolf unveiled his 2019-2020 state budget proposal on Tuesday in Harrisburg. The $34.15 billion spending plan represents nearly a $1 billion increase in state spending over last year. Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford, Sullivan & Susquehanna) said she is generally pleased with the budget plan, but is concerned that some proposed funding cuts will need to be addressed.
Rep. Pickett Comments on House Passage of 2018-19 State Budget
The Fiscal Year 2018-19 General Appropriation bill (House Bill 2121) is on its way to the state Senate for consideration after the House of Representatives passed it Thursday by a vote of 188-10. The $32.7 billion spending plan increases growth by 1.7 percent, which is below the rate of inflation (2.13 percent), requires no additional taxes or revenues and officially erases a deficit. The budget also includes a record high $12.3 billion investment in education from pre-k through 12th grade, with additional increases in funding for career and technical education as well as higher education. The budget bill is expected to be sent to the governor prior to June 30, after anticipated Senate passage.
Pickett Says House Insurance Committee to Examine Issues Surrounding the Regulation of the Air Ambulance Industry
The House Insurance Committee, led by Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna), will hold an informational meeting to learn more about federal legislation that would allow state governments to regulate the air ambulance industry. Rep. Pickett appeared at a press conference held Monday in Harrisburg with state insurance regulators and citizens who have experienced unexpectedly high bills from air ambulance companies. Rep. Pickett said legitimate questions have arisen about how air ambulance companies are regulated and about how the government can protect patients who may not receive adequate compensation from their health insurers to cover the costs of air ambulance services.
Pickett Bill to Exempt Maple Sugar Houses from UCC Passes House
Legislation that will help bring a measure of common sense to the state’s Uniform Construction Code, especially as it applies to those agricultural buildings used by maple sugar producers in northern Pennsylvania, passed the state House Monday in Harrisburg. Sponsor of House Bill 177, Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford, Sullivan & Susquehanna), said her legislation will remove burdensome building code requirements for the construction of the small maple sap processing structures commonly known as “sugar houses.”
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