HARRISBURG – Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) issued the following statement today after lawmakers completed work on the 2020-21 state budget:
“I am gratified that we were able to curtail what was originally projected to be a $4.2 billion deficit by tightening our belts and finding cost savings across numerous departments. The fact that revenues have come in above estimates in recent months validates our approach of passing a short-term budget in May so we could evaluate the full financial fallout of COVID-19. As a result, we are now able to maintain critical government services without any tax or fee increases and no new borrowing.
“This lean, responsible budget reflects the financial realities we face as we begin to recover from COVID-19. With the budget completed, we can now return our attention to rebuilding our economy, protecting our citizens and getting the state back to work. As Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee, my primary focus in the months ahead will be supporting new job opportunities for Pennsylvanians and ensuring we protect both lives and livelihoods. These goals are not mutually exclusive.”
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463