HARRISBURG – Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) issued the following statement after the state House approved a 2023-24 state budget despite his negative vote.

“Just a few days ago, I was prepared to support this budget, not because I agreed with every single thing in it but because it was going to give students in our worst performing schools a chance to make their lives better.

“Sadly, the governor pulled the rug out from under those more than 207,000 children and their families today when he pledged to line-item veto the $100 million appropriation for Lifeline Scholarships.

“Governing is built on trust. If the bill as drafted and agreed to with the Senate was put up for a vote in the House, it would have passed. The governor bowed to the progressive leadership in the House and is unwisely allowing them to drive the agenda. He speaks about working together, but stabbing the Senate in the back, as stated by one senator, is far from that.

“Where I come from, you actually do what you say you’re going to do. The governor pledged support for lifeline scholarships during his campaign for governor and reiterated that support in budget negotiations with the Senate last week. Today he reneged on that promise. The people of this Commonwealth deserve better.”

To watch Owlett’s remarks on the House floor regarding the budget and lifeline scholarships, click here: https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pagopvideo/871243193.mp4