Ciresi: Budget invests in local schools and moving PA forward

Southeast Delegation    July 7, 2022 | 7:24 PM

HARRISBURG, July 7 – Having voted in favor of a state budget bill this evening, state Rep. Joe Ciresi said that it earned his vote because of new robust investments in education, mental health care and property tax relief. 

Pennsylvania’s 2022-23 budget as proposed in S.B. 1100 also sets out to reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax rate and funds area schools at record levels, helping address systematic underfunding, supporting expanded programming, and allowing for property tax relief. 

Ciresi, D-Montgomery, said, “Pennsylvania took a big step forward today with major investments in our communities that we can be proud of. This product of bipartisan negotiations delivers help for our underfunded schools, relief for our property taxpayers, and investments in boosting our economy and creating high-quality jobs for years, paying dividends for many years to come.” 

Locally, the budget increases funding for Montgomery County school districts, including $7.5 million in increased funding for school districts in the 146th Legislative District: 

  • Pottstown School District: $3,899,078. 
  • Spring-Ford Area School District: $1,843,226. 
  • Pottsgrove School District: $848,859. 
  • Perkiomen Valley School District: $902,489. 

“By expanding ‘Level Up’ funding and adding on substantial funding increases for our region’s historically underfunded public schools, this budget is a victory for our children, parents, teachers and property taxpayers,” Ciresi said.  

People eligible for property tax and rent reduction will see greater relief as well, with $140 million earmarked for increasing property tax and rent rebates. 

Among other highlights, the budget includes the following funding increases and new investments: 

  • School safety, security, and mental health: $200 million 
  • Career and technical education funding: $6.1 million  
  • Public safety and violence prevention: $265 million 
  • Water and sewer infrastructure: $320 million 
  • Housing affordability and rehabilitation: $375 million  

The budget reduces Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income Tax rate from 9.99% to 8.99%, prescribes 0.5% reductions annually until 4.99%, and expands multiple tax credits to attract business investment in Pennsylvania in research & development, biotechnology, and the film industry.  

It creates a new state Child Care Tax Credit, equal to 30% of the federal tax credit, to support working families.  

“This budget and its significant investments will have a big impact in our local area,” Ciresi said. “New and expanded grant programs will help our school districts keep our children safe and provide mental health support, give our local police departments the equipment they need to keep their officers and the public safe, and offer our municipalities the chance to modernize essential water and sewer infrastructure.”