Nov. 20, 2020
HARRISBURG – Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) today issued the following statement in response to the House advancing a $32.1 billion state budget for Fiscal Year 2020-21. Mustello joined a majority of her colleagues to approve the General Appropriations bill.
“In the midst of a pandemic with rampant unemployment, we were able to pass a budget that does not borrow, does not cut vital services to those in need and most importantly, does not raise taxes,” said Mustello. “We are continuing to stand up for taxpayers. This budget contains modest reductions in state government operating costs.”
In May, the House passed a temporary budget that fully funded education for the year, while funding the rest of state government for five months. The temporary budget was necessary to provide stability in uncertain times. The approach also gave the General Assembly more time to fully understand the fiscal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and develop a plan for the remaining seven months.
“By standing up for taxpayers, we balanced this budget using existing resources,” said Mustello. “It is also important to note that K-12 education is fully funded and public health and safety for our frontline workers are critical to the continued COVID-19 response.”
Mustello added that total state spending in this budget decreases by more than $760 million, or 2.1% from last year, after adjusting for supplemental spending.
Representative Marci Mustello
11th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives