Bartolotta Supports Restoration of Funding for Schools, Agriculture, and Hospitals

HARRISBURG — Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) issued the following statement today in response to the Senate’s passage of legislation to restore approximately $6 billion in funding for education, hospitals and agriculture that Governor Wolf eliminated from the state budget in December:

“We face the prospect of local schools closing, hospitals cutting critical services, colleges cancelling classes and agricultural programs being crippled. It is the responsibility of every elected official to do everything in our power to prevent this from happening. I was proud to stand with many of my Senate colleagues today to support legislation to reverse some of the most devastating cuts to the budget made by Governor Wolf.

“It pains me to watch our most vulnerable citizens, as well as our children – the future of this Commonwealth – put in jeopardy. It is critical that we take action to drive these funds out to our schools, hospitals and other critical programs as soon as possible. We cannot allow partisanship or stubbornness to stand in the way of the programs and services that state residents rely on most.

“I am hopeful this legislation will quickly head to the Governor’s desk and he will decide to stand with us in ensuring the doors to our schools remain open. This needs to be the final step in closing the ugly chapter to last year’s budget in order for us to begin focusing on an honest, thoughtful and respectful discussion of the 2016-17 fiscal plan. I remain committed to working with members of both parties to ensure the core functions of government are funded without overburdening Pennsylvania taxpayers.”

CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463

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