Rep. Quigley Supports House Budget

Rep. Tom Quigley (R-Montgomery) released the following statement regarding his support of the $27.3 billion General Fund budget for 2011-12 passed today by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives:

"I am very pleased that we are on schedule to pass a punctual and balanced budget, which will meet the Commonwealth’s responsibilities and sensibly allocate our limited resources. Our economy is still in a state of recovery and we have no reserve funds, so it is important for us to budget with caution and restraint. This budget proposal is reflective of the revenue we have on hand now and what we can realistically expect to collect next year.

"One aspect of this budget I am particularly supportive of is its restoration of some of the funds cut from basic and higher education. We were able to achieve this by rooting out fraud and waste in our welfare system. I believe this approach is in line with the priorities of most Pennsylvanians and appropriately represents the concerns of our citizens. Schools, however, must continue to seek out cost reductions, and the state must constantly look to streamline programs and increase efficiencies.

"This vote does not signify the end of the budget process. The legislation will now go before the Senate for its revisions, and negotiations will be ongoing. The final budget bill could still look very different, but I am hopeful it will be a plan that sets Pennsylvania back on the path to prosperity."

The House Republican budget plan was approved 109-92, primarily along party lines. House Bill 1485 now moves to the Senate for consideration.