Butler County News

Rep. Marci Mustello, representing Butler in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, has voted in favor of the 2022-23 state budget. The budget totals $42.8 billion, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year. Mustello emphasized that this budget has bipartisan support and does not introduce new taxes.

“This is a responsible budget which has bipartisan support. This budget includes no new taxes," she stated.

The budget allocates $2.1 billion to the Rainy Day Fund, increasing its total to $5 billion, while preserving $3.6 billion in the General Fund for future use.

Butler County's educational institutions are a priority for Mustello, who highlighted funding for schools across various types including public, charter, and private/parochial schools.

Mustello also noted her satisfaction with the agricultural support included in the budget: “As a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the local Butler County Farm Bureau, I was happy to see this budget supports agriculture." The plan commits $31 million to aid poultry farmers affected by avian flu and includes funding for agricultural research and combating pests like the spotted lanternfly.

A significant aspect of the budget is a reduction in Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income Tax rate from 9.99% to 8.99%, with plans for further reductions each year until it reaches 4.99%.

The financial struggles faced by emergency medical service companies are addressed with increased funding aimed at Medicaid reimbursement rates for various services.

Recognizing challenges faced by nursing homes, Mustello mentioned an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates by $35 per day starting January next year. Additional funds are allocated to support personal care home residents and maintain affordable prescription drug programs through PACE and PACENET.

For more details on the state budget, visit pahousegop.com/statebudget.