Hanna Lauds Legislative Movement on State Budget

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, Thursday noted legislative bipartisan approval on this week’s passage of bills necessary to complete work on the 2017-2018 state budget:

“A large majority of the House passed a responsible spending plan back on June 30 that invests in educating the state’s children, fights the heroin and opioid addiction crisis, and positions the state well for economic growth,” Hanna said.

“It’s taken almost four months, but we now have the revenue tools in place to pay for the spending approved in June. This bipartisan work was important because it shows Pennsylvania is serious about keeping the commitments we make.

“This year’s budget negotiations were painful and I fully support changing the way we do business in Harrisburg. During the last four months, our state has received a costly credit downgrade that cost taxpayers and held up funding for higher education because of politics. This is not how government is supposed to work.

“Although we made significant strides this week, we must do more to get our state’s credit-worthiness restored and plan for the future. I am encouraged by a concerted effort to pass a reasonable tax on shale gas drilling as soon as possible. I am confident that a bipartisan, commonsense agreement can be made that takes into account the needs of the industry.”

House action Thursday included bipartisan approval of a massive gambling expansion package, part of funding intended to provide $2.3 billion in new revenue to balance the budget. The measure goes before Gov. Tom Wolf for his consideration.