State Rep. Mark M. Gillen | Pennsylvania 128th Legislative District
State Rep. Mark M. Gillen | Pennsylvania 128th Legislative District
Rep. Mark Gillen of Berks County attended a joint session of the General Assembly where Governor Josh Shapiro presented his budget proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year, amounting to $45.8 billion.
Gillen responded to the proposal with a statement emphasizing his support for increased investment in law enforcement and veteran care. "As a chairman of the House Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I support the additional law enforcement investment allocated to add hundreds of Pennsylvania State Troopers," he stated. He also expressed endorsement for increased funding for Commonwealth Veterans Homes, saying, "Our veterans deserve the best in elder care, and I endorse the proposal for an additional 10% going to support our Commonwealth Veterans Homes."
In addition to his focus on veteran affairs, Gillen highlighted his ongoing commitment to education funding. "As an educator, I have consistently voted for increases in education funding for pre-K counts through higher education," he noted.
However, Gillen cautioned against using reserve funds meant for emergencies or economic downturns. He warned that "the governor’s spend numbers across the budget would eventually create deficits."
Gillen remarked that Governor Shapiro's address marks only the beginning of the annual budget process. The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to begin hearings on Monday, March 20, to review the details of the governor's plan and evaluate state departments' and agencies' spending.
More information on these hearings and further details about the 2023-24 budget can be found online.
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