Rep. Tomlinson Highlights Major Wins in the State Budget for Bensalem

State Rep. K.C. Tomlinson on Monday afternoon repeated an apparent mantra, made famous by the Rolling Stones, that came out of the new budget deal reached Sunday with Governor Josh Shapiro on his $50.8 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year. 

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want”

Tomlinson said “In any budget, there are things people like and don’t like but overall, I feel we were successful in keeping the spend number down, we avoided a situation that would require a tax increase.”

She highlighted Bensalem Township School District receiving a $2.2 million dollar increase and Neshaminy School District receiving a $565,000 dollar increase as a “major win.”

The Bensalem School District is facing a number of financial challenges even with its passing of more than a $194 million budget that includes raising taxes, according to Bensalem Weekly.

Tomlinson said she was pleased the rainy day fund was left alone and that there is still work to do to create more revenue for the Commonwealth.

Taxing of “skill games” and legalizing marijuana were two potential income streams left off the table in the new budget.

Other major wins for the 18th district she said are Earned Income Tax Credit funding increases.

“I know recently there were rumors that program was going to be changed. Those changes will not be made,” she said.

The program will operate as it has, with additional funding, she said, however no numbers were provided.

Tomlinson said $775 million in funding for projects on state roads and bridges was included in the new fiscal plan.

Community concerns regarding flooding on state and municipal roads have been a frequent topic of discussion among residents. Of note in particular was the flooding on Station Avenue, which apparently has been an ongoing issue for years.

Credit: Tom Bentley Meta Reel July 6

Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper echoed  Tomlinson’s statement  Sunday evening. 

“The budget passed by the General Assembly today continues our recent history of scouring every corner of state government for existing taxpayer dollars to avoid tax increases, cuts to government services or tapping into the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day fund,” Topper said.

If you have questions regarding the budget please feel free to reach out to my office directly, Tomlinson said.

Lower Bucks Source prior to the budgets passage contacted Tomlinson and the Bryan Allen for PA campaign with questions regarding flooding on state owned roads and the potential stress it places on municipal resources, namely Bensalem Twp first responders/emergency services.

We have yet to hear back from Tomlinson as of publication time.