Borowski issues statement on passage of Pa. Budget
Lawmaker expresses relief over promise of line-item veto, frustration over amended ambulance reimbursement bill
Rep. Lisa Borowski July 5, 2023 | 9:51 PM
HARRISBURG, June 5 – State Rep. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware, today issued the following statements regarding the state budget passing the General Assembly:
School vouchers: “I cast my vote in favor of H.B. 611 today with the understanding that Governor Shapiro will line-item veto the measure to increase funding for private school vouchers by a whopping $100 million. I’m relieved that the governor reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening public education in Pennsylvania.
Commonwealth Court ruled just five months ago that our system for funding public education is inequitable, inadequate, and ultimately, unconstitutional. It would be irresponsible to draw even more taxpayer money away from public education to send it to private schools.”
H.B. 479: “EMS companies have been in financial crisis mode for decades, largely due to unreliable sources of funding. The ongoing hospital closures around the commonwealth are now exacerbating that strain, adding another layer of limitation to Pennsylvanians’ ability to access health care and for our EMS providers to be reimbursed for delivery of emergency care.”
“It was not only a bipartisan victory when the House voted unanimously in June to approve my and Rep. Greg Scott’s bill; it was an acknowledgement of the severity of the crisis. The Senate, however, decided to strip its original intent and rewrite it to serve as a pawn for school vouchers.
“The bill could’ve been signed by Governor Shapiro by now, but instead, we’re back to square one – with no relief in sight for EMS companies.”
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