Irvin Issues Statement on Passage of 2022-23 State Budget

July 8, 2022

HARRISBURG – Following House passage of a 2022-23 state budget that helps businesses, families, seniors and students while saving for the future and not raising taxes, Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Huntingdon/Centre/Mifflin) issues this statement:

“This is a responsible budget that sets aside more than $3 billion to help with next year’s budget and puts roughly $2.1 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund for the future. This money will help safeguard against future tax increases and put the state on firmer financial footing.

“We also made sure to take care of our most vulnerable citizens with a one-time increase in the Property Tax Rent Rebate Program for low-income seniors to help them deal with the current economic climate, as well as an increase in the state’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help income eligible Pennsylvanians keep their homes heated.

“Being in a rural area, access to health care services is of great importance. In this budget, we are dedicating $50 million to help our EMS companies stay afloat and continue providing essential services.

“To help job creators decide to make the Keystone State their base of operations, we are also aggressively reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax, which is currently the second highest in the nation. This and other tax incentives are needed in order to draw more businesses to our state to help provide jobs and improve the economy.

“Other benefits in this year’s budget include funding for an additional 200 state troopers, money to help farmers deal with the avian flu, record increases for education that include funding for mental health and school safety, and additional money to help fund improvement of our roads and bridges.

“Last, but not least, this budget addresses election integrity by banning the use of private money to pay for elections and other guidelines to make sure every vote is cast and counted appropriately.”

For more information on the Pennsylvania state budget, go to PAHouseGOP.com/statebudget.