(File Photo of Josh Kail)

(Harrisburg, Pa.)  Rep. Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) announced the 2022-23 budget, which totals $42.8 billion, passed the House Thursday. He released the following statement on how this budget stands up for taxpayers:

“As we prepare for an incoming recession and look to alleviate financial pressures from Pennsylvania families, we must use funding wisely so we can invest in our communities without sacrificing our future. I am pleased to report there will be no new taxes and fees after we deposited $2.1 billion into the Rainy Day Fund, bringing the total to a historic $5 billion, as well as preserve $3.6 billion in the General Fund for future budgets.

“In order for Pennsylvania to be open for business, this budget will officially reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) from a job-crushing 9.99% to 8.99% this year and 0.5% each year until it reaches 4.99%. Earlier this year, the House passed my momentous legislation addressing this very issue, one which hasn’t seen a cut since 1995. Time and time again, Pennsylvania has missed out on opportunities to attract new employers due to poor policies. This measure puts us closer to where our economy needs to be.

“As a father and member of the House Education Committee, I will never stop fighting for our students so they can receive the best education this Commonwealth has to offer. This budget features historic to basic education. It also sets aside $405 million, a 45% increase, for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) so kids have better educational opportunities. The budget also addresses school safety and security; mental health; charter school regulations; early childhood education; special education; and low-performing schools, among others.

“Pennsylvanians will also see relief as this budget creates the first state child care tax credit to support working families, a one-time 70% enhancement of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program for seniors, and additional money for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to assist with higher energy costs and inflation. We continue to support our state’s top industry, agriculture, by adding $2 million to increase the PA State Food Purchase Program.

“This budget is responsible and forward thinking. It helps job creators, allows children to properly acquire education and protects our families. And though it is certainly not a perfect budget, I am pleased to see bipartisan support on this measure.”