Truitt Backs Responsible Budget, Focuses on Priorities

The following is a press release from Dan Truitt.

Rep. Dan Truitt (R-Chester) supported the 2012-13 state budget calling it a fiscally responsible budget that faces economic realities while still providing for the priorities within our community values.

The budget, which does not raise taxes on Pennsylvania residents or job creators, provides important funding for the 156th District, including an increase for the West Chester Area School District which is higher than the governor’s originally proposed budget.

“I will continue to work for initiatives such as public pension reform and mandate relief that will help school districts better control costs, as well as changes to the state’s school funding formula that will treat West Chester more fairly,” Truitt said. “Until those initiatives become law though, it is only fair that our local school district see some increase to deal with rising costs of health care, pensions and more.  This budget does just that and helps alleviate the need for local tax increases.”

In addition to restoring proposed cuts to the West Chester Area School District (both in this and last year’s budget), the fiscal year 2012-13 budget also restores the governor’s proposed cuts to higher education, specifically West Chester University.

“This year, there will be no funding cuts to West Chester University which is a victory for those of us who believed further reductions were unacceptable,” Truitt said. “The university is a vital part of our local community and economy, and we needed to help protect its future.”

The budget was passed with bipartisan support in the state House and, for the second year in a row, spends only what the state can afford without increasing borrowing. 

“Overall, this is a responsible budget – passed with bipartisan support – that funds vital services without raising taxes,” Truitt said.  “These are challenging financial times, which is why I have been working to reprioritize state spending. This budget helps get us there.”