Jul. 06, 2023
HARRISBURG –Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier (R-Cumberland) was a no vote on the General Appropriations bill that passed Wednesday evening. The budget process is far from finished. While Gov. Josh Shapiro has vowed to veto his own budget priority and campaign promise, Lifeline Scholarships, the bill is not yet at his desk. Additionally, other budget-related bills, including funding for our state-related universities and code bills, which direct the spending of appropriations, still need to be passed.
Delozier said she could not vote to approve the $44.55 billion General Appropriations proposal because its priorities were not aligned with those of the 88th Legislative District.
“While there are initiatives in the 2023-24 budget proposal I support, like increased education funding and the creation of four new state trooper classes, there are simply too many missed opportunities and shortcomings in this plan,” said Delozier.
“The bill brought up in the House was a 6% increase spend number over last year, and this budget does nothing to pay down our state debt. This was an important step we took in last year’s proposal, and I am disappointed we are not continuing that fiscal practice. It also does not adequately place safeguards on the programs that are funded, so we cannot be certain those dollars are being used as intended,” Delozier added. “I am also discouraged by the lack of funding for the most vulnerable groups in our communities, like those with intellectual disabilities and autism. This budget cut $170 million from the intellectual disability and autism line item, leaving services for those Pennsylvanians in question; and the issue of base funding for mental health services, both were very high areas of importance to Cumberland County.
Delozier also expressed her frustration that Shapiro rescinded commitments he campaigned on and the budget agreement he made with Senate Republicans which would have ultimately resulted in a more reasonable budget.
“In our job, our word is all we have. With the governor breaking his word, it does not bode well for the rest of the pieces to getting the budget completed.”
Questions about the budget or any other state-related issue can be directed to Delozier’s office at 717-761-4665.
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
Kmorrison@pahousegop.com
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier