Abney votes ‘yes’ on new state budget, calls plan a game-changer for education

Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney    July 11, 2024 | 9:06 PM

HARRISBURG, July 11 – State Rep. Aerion Abney today voted in favor of Pennsylvania’s new budget for 2024-25, saying that the plan will fundamentally change the way the state funds its public schools and provide a path toward equality in public education.

“A public school education is supposed to be the great equalizer, but for decades, that hasn’t been the case here in PA because of an unconstitutional funding system that ties the quality of a student’s education to the wealth of their ZIP code,” Abney said. “I voted for the new state plan because I believe its $1.3 billion investment in students will be a game-changer. It’s time to level the playing field and ensure all Pennsylvania students get the quality education they deserve – and it’s also time to start easing the burden of rising property taxes residents have shouldered for too long.

“The new plan also provides a more realistic formula for funding our cyber charters, so they don’t continue draining dollars from our brick-and-mortar public schools.”

Abney said the new spending plan promises to make higher education more affordable for students.

“Pennsylvania is ranked 49th in the nation when it comes to public funding for higher education per student,” Abney said. “The result is that many young Pennsylvanians either forego college altogether or end up starting their lives and careers with a huge burden of debt,” Abney said. “The new budget has a plan to change that dynamic so higher education is a path open to more students.”

Abney also cited the budget’s investment in programs and resources to help residents.

“Affordable housing – and the stability it brings families – is one of the most critical resources a community can offer,” Abney said. “The new budget invests in programs to boost affordable housing and keep more folks in their homes. It also includes funding increases for programs that improve quality of life for residents – including programs for job training, subsidized child care and homeless assistance – and better serve people with disabilities and mental health challenges.

“I was glad to see that my legislation to expand the Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program from $36 million to $72 million made it into the tax code. The tax credit supports jobs, bolsters state and local sales tax revenue, addresses social inequity and raises local real estate property tax revenue in targeted communities. It’s programs like NAP that help our commonwealth create communities of first choice, where people want to live, work, play, and raise families.

“Of course, there’s no such thing as the perfect budget. But I believe the plan we voted to pass today has the right priorities and makes the kind of bold investments we need, particularly in the future of public education, without increasing taxes. With so many kids’ futures depending on it, it’s time for us to get it right.”