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WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright said he voted to pass the FY2020 funding package that he said will improve the lives of Northeastern Pennsylvanians and boost the regional economy.
Cartwright voted Tuesday to pass the funding packages in the full House of Representatives. The U.S. Senate passed the bills Thursday, and President Trump was expected to sign them Friday.
The legislation will fully fund the federal government through Sept. 30, 2020, and includes priorities fought for by Cartwright, D-Moosic.
“These funding bills make strong investments in Northeastern Pennsylvania that will save taxpayers money and help grow our economy,” said Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “I’m proud that we were able to secure doubled funding to reduce stormwater fees for 8th District residents as well as new resources to spur job creation in our area. These are important wins that will benefit communities and families across our region.”
Cartwright went on to say that the funding legislation also makes investments in infrastructure that will create jobs, support health care programs that will save lives, and provide new resources that honor the commitment to supporting veterans.
“In doing so, we are keeping our promise to deliver progress for all Americans,” Cartwright said.
Cartwright said victories in the legislation for Northeastern Pennsylvanians include:
• $24 million to fund local grants for stormwater infrastructure improvements in Northeastern Pennsylvania — a two-fold increase over last year’s funding — which will help reduce stormwater fees paid by residents on their sewer bills and clean up our region’s waterways.
• $175 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission, which works with Appalachian states to promote self-sustaining economic development, create new opportunities and improve quality of life.
• $30 million for the Economic Development Administration’s Assistance to Coal Communities program, which works to help communities affected by the decline of the coal industry.
• $115 million for the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund, which helps eliminate dangerous conditions and clean up pollution caused by past coal mining.
In addition, this funding legislation provides:
• More than $61 billion to strengthen America’s infrastructure, which will create jobs and improve safety.
• $95 billion to strengthen public health, expand access to health care and carry out lifesaving research.
• $80 billion to support veterans with Veterans Affairs medical care, including funding to provide homelessness assistance and suicide prevention and outreach.