State Representative Abby Major announced earlier today that the state House and Senate have adopted the 2021-22 state budget that includes no new taxes or fees.
Major said in a news release that the budget, which comes out to $39.78 billion, was a “smart budget” , citing that it represents a 2.6 percent year-by-year growth rate, when factoring in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Major adds that $2.5 billion will be allocated towards Pennsylvania’s “Rainy Day Fund” that will protect against tax hikes or service cuts in the coming years. It also sets aside a portion of federal COVID-19 relief funds for future budgets in order to aid the state recover from the pandemic.
Public education funding was increased, with $350 million going towards helping students that were affected by learning loss as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Portions of federal funds will also be put towards road and bridge projects, supporting assisted living and personal care homes in protecting against the pandemic, and career and technical education.
