The state budget of more than $45 billion is one step closer to full passage after garnering approval by the PA Senate earlier today.
The Senate passed the budget by a 47-to-3 vote and it is being described as one that Pennsylvania has not seen before. It represents a 2.9 percent increase in spending and includes an increase in education spending by $7.05 billion. Other areas include $45 million for election integrity and administration, a $75 million increase to the State System of Higher Education’s General Fund, and the spending of one-time federal funds for mental health access and resources, repairs and development in state Parks and Forests, and lastly $50 million in federal relief funds for gun violence investigation and prosecution.
Senator Joe Pittman told Renda Media that he thinks this is a good budget, especially since it opened up the state’s rainy day fund.
Pittman also said that education spending will not only improve schools around the commonwealth, but it will save taxpayers money.
The budget now awaits the signature of Governor Tom Wolf.
