State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-132nd, issued the following statement regarding Dec. 13 state House passage of the Fiscal Code bill.

“I am glad the House and Senate were finally able to come to agreement on additional legislation necessary to implement the 2023-2024 budget and send it to Gov. Shapiro for his signature,” Schlossberg said. “The legislation will do a lot of good as it delivers some of our education priorities for students by investing in school facility improvements ($175 million), makes stipends available for student teachers ($10 million), and will allow schools to add much-needed mental health services ($100 million).

“Further, almost 750,000 Pennsylvania working families will see significant increases in what they can claim on their Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credits, resulting in more money in their pockets to take care of their families.

“There are some missed opportunities, specifically when it comes to adult mental health where desperately needed funds were not resolved.

“Our efforts to address America’s mental health crisis in Pennsylvania are not over and I am not going to give up that fight.

“Too many people are looking to their elected officials for hope that their mental health matters and we have an obligation to meet their needs.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the legislation on the evening of Dec. 13.