Finalizing the State Budget
House members will begin finalizing the budget proposal for the upcoming 2014-15 fiscal year, when session reconvenes on Monday. A new spending plan must be in place by June 30 in order to fund state government operations.
According to the Independent Fiscal Office, year-over-year revenue is actually up, with Personal Income Tax collections up about 5 percent, indicative of continuing employment gains and a growing economy throughout the Commonwealth.
Your spending priorities are important to me. I encourage you to contact my office with your thoughts as the final budget continues to develop. You can track budget news here.
Reforming the Welfare System
Welfare reform legislation I have co-sponsored is scheduled to be considered by the House Health Committee at its meeting on Monday. House Bill 907 would prohibit the purchase of tobacco and tobacco products with EBT and EPPI cards. In addition, public assistance dollars could not be used at any entity licensed by the PA Gaming Control Board. Watch the meeting live here, starting at 11 a.m.
Hearing Focuses on Career Readiness
This week, the House Education Committee held a hearing in Allegheny County on career readiness. Committee members heard testimony from representatives from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, public school administrators, business councils and private industry. The focus of the hearing was to discuss the disconnect between required job skills necessary for employee success and educational curriculum, as well as other barriers which inhibit employment among degree-holding residents.
Funding the Arts
The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is providing state grants to support community arts activities here in the Lehigh Valley and across the Commonwealth. Locally, the funding is being administered by the Lehigh Valley Arts Council, which will review the applications and award grants of up to $2,500 to eligible individuals, community groups and nonprofit organizations.
The deadline to apply for funding is June 20. Learn more here.
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