Painter Says Republican Budget Fails on Education, Property Taxes

State Representative Mark Painter (D-Montgomery County) says that his first experience with the Pennsylvania budget was a disappointing one, as the “House Republican majority completely shut out Democratic leaders from the process” and failed to restore education funding, which will lead to increased property taxes for his constituents.

The budget increases state aid for public schools by roughly $122 million, and special education funding will remain the same, according to the Patriot News, but that does not present an increased burden to local taxpayers.

"My constituents have been adamant that property tax relief is their top priority and I could not in good conscience vote for $28 billion in state spending that is sure to produce even higher property taxes in Montgomery County. That is simply unacceptable," Painter said.

The budget, which was passed just under the June 30 deadline after legislators spent the weekend in Harrisburg, does not reflect the wishes of “nearly 5 million Pennsylvanians and our concerns for better education funding, expanded senior citizen programs and health care for thousands of our most vulnerable citizens,” according to Painter.

"House Democrats had a better budget alternative, but the Republicans used a parliamentary move to rule it out of order. Had we been able to offer that plan, school districts would have started on a three-year plan to fully restored funding. Unfortunately, the budget that was signed by Governor Corbett will lead to increased school property taxes," he said.