Done Deal. Shapiro Signs $47.6B State Budget
Calls for an additional 6% in spending from FY24
July 12, 2024
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Calls for an additional 6% in spending from FY24
Legislative leaders have agreed to $47.6B fiscal plan for upcoming year
State budget was supposed to be signed into law before the end of the fiscal year June 30.
Procedural maneuver allows Senate Republicans to propose and pass bill in 24 hours to Dems’ dismay
Highlights include higher education reform, legalize adult-use marijuana, and raise minimum wage
Mission Accomplished.
Yes, it was 10 days late but the General Assembly delivered a $47.6 billion budget to the desk of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro who signed the bill on Thursday night.
“Since my first day in office, I’ve been focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania, solving the most pressing problems we face, and bringing people together in a bipartisan manner to deliver results – and I’m proud to sign this budget into law that makes historic investments in education and economic development, while continuing investments in public safety and violence prevention, all while cutting costs and reducing taxes,” said Shapiro.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with a divided legislature – and I’m proud that we came together with leaders in both Chambers and both parties to show that we can do big things together to make Pennsylvanians’ lives better.”
The $47.6B plan represents a 6% spending increase over the FY24 budget. Most of the additional funding is headed toward public schools and human services.
The main spending bill passed the state House, 122-80, and the Senate, 44-5.
“This budget delivers on many Democratic priorities,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia). “It delivers for our students by making a robust downpayment to address a generation of inequitable funding and creating opportunities for learners of all ages. It delivers for our communities by investing in proven public safety initiatives and by providing tools to law enforcement to keep our streets safe. And it delivers for working families by helping them stay in their homes, afford childcare, and access the health care they need.”
“On behalf of Pennsylvania’s business community, the PA Chamber thanks the General Assembly and Gov. Shapiro for passing a budget that takes important steps to make Pennsylvania more competitive,” said Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “This budget includes several key legislative priorities that the PA Chamber has long championed, including eliminating Pennsylvania’s Startup Tax by raising the cap on net operating losses, modernizing our permitting processes, and advancing workforce initiatives. These provisions will help attract new economic opportunities, expedite project approvals so that businesses can grow and create jobs, help employers address workforce challenges, and equip Pennsylvanians with the skills needed for the future.”
As Shapiro has mentioned many times, he is the only governor in the country with a divided legislature, noting that not everyone would get what they wanted from this budget.
For example, he did not get his proposals to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use and to regulate and tax skill games.
“I am disappointed that we weren’t able to get something done for the children that are trapped in failing schools. … I want to go back at some point and fight for this program that the governor said he supports, but had no interest in pursuing at all this time around,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).
Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), the ranking GOP member of the Appropriations Committee, spoke of a shrinking state budget surplus and urged his caucus and others to reject the plan.
“What will he have gotten for it? Has state government changed all that much? Do constituents tell you, thanks for spending more money? Does it really improve government service? I don’t get those calls, and I doubt this budget will change much of anything,” Grove said.
“The surplus will be gone next year, and this body will be looking for billions of dollars in new revenue. So citizens of Pennsylvania, the tax man is coming for your wallets. You can guarantee that.”
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) said the budget reflects a strong moral compass.
“This budget makes one of the most historic investments in what is our most valuable resources, and that is our children,” Harris said.
The budget doesn’t increase sales or income tax rates, the state’s two major revenue sources, although the package carries tax cuts for businesses to deduct more losses and students to deduct loan interest.
It will require about $3 billion of surplus cash to balance, leaving about $10.5 billion in reserve. Shapiro had initially proposed a $48.3 billion plan.
Public education advocates had asked that Pennsylvania put $850 million in new basic education funds for K-12 schools this year into the more than $7.9 billion the state already spends on it, in order to fulfill the Commonwealth Court’s mandate. Instead, only $500 million of the $1 billion new education funding will go toward that purpose.
“Despite the laudable efforts of public education supporters in both chambers, the final funding package is significantly short of what the House approved last month and lacks a multi-year plan to address adequacy, guaranteeing that our most vulnerable children will be used as bargaining chips in every subsequent budget season unless there is a change in Senate leadership,” said Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg.
Mission Accomplished.
Yes, it was 10 days late but the General Assembly delivered a $47.6 billion budget to the desk of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro who signed the bill on Thursday night.
“Since my first day in office, I’ve been focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania, solving the most pressing problems we face, and bringing people together in a bipartisan manner to deliver results – and I’m proud to sign this budget into law that makes historic investments in education and economic development, while continuing investments in public safety and violence prevention, all while cutting costs and reducing taxes,” said Shapiro.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with a divided legislature – and I’m proud that we came together with leaders in both Chambers and both parties to show that we can do big things together to make Pennsylvanians’ lives better.”
The $47.6B plan represents a 6% spending increase over the FY24 budget. Most of the additional funding is headed toward public schools and human services.
The main spending bill passed the state House, 122-80, and the Senate, 44-5.
“This budget delivers on many Democratic priorities,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia). “It delivers for our students by making a robust downpayment to address a generation of inequitable funding and creating opportunities for learners of all ages. It delivers for our communities by investing in proven public safety initiatives and by providing tools to law enforcement to keep our streets safe. And it delivers for working families by helping them stay in their homes, afford childcare, and access the health care they need.”
“On behalf of Pennsylvania’s business community, the PA Chamber thanks the General Assembly and Gov. Shapiro for passing a budget that takes important steps to make Pennsylvania more competitive,” said Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “This budget includes several key legislative priorities that the PA Chamber has long championed, including eliminating Pennsylvania’s Startup Tax by raising the cap on net operating losses, modernizing our permitting processes, and advancing workforce initiatives. These provisions will help attract new economic opportunities, expedite project approvals so that businesses can grow and create jobs, help employers address workforce challenges, and equip Pennsylvanians with the skills needed for the future.”
As Shapiro has mentioned many times, he is the only governor in the country with a divided legislature, noting that not everyone would get what they wanted from this budget.
For example, he did not get his proposals to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use and to regulate and tax skill games.
“I am disappointed that we weren’t able to get something done for the children that are trapped in failing schools. … I want to go back at some point and fight for this program that the governor said he supports, but had no interest in pursuing at all this time around,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).
Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), the ranking GOP member of the Appropriations Committee, spoke of a shrinking state budget surplus and urged his caucus and others to reject the plan.
“What will he have gotten for it? Has state government changed all that much? Do constituents tell you, thanks for spending more money? Does it really improve government service? I don’t get those calls, and I doubt this budget will change much of anything,” Grove said.
“The surplus will be gone next year, and this body will be looking for billions of dollars in new revenue. So citizens of Pennsylvania, the tax man is coming for your wallets. You can guarantee that.”
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) said the budget reflects a strong moral compass.
“This budget makes one of the most historic investments in what is our most valuable resources, and that is our children,” Harris said.
The budget doesn’t increase sales or income tax rates, the state’s two major revenue sources, although the package carries tax cuts for businesses to deduct more losses and students to deduct loan interest.
It will require about $3 billion of surplus cash to balance, leaving about $10.5 billion in reserve. Shapiro had initially proposed a $48.3 billion plan.
Public education advocates had asked that Pennsylvania put $850 million in new basic education funds for K-12 schools this year into the more than $7.9 billion the state already spends on it, in order to fulfill the Commonwealth Court’s mandate. Instead, only $500 million of the $1 billion new education funding will go toward that purpose.
“Despite the laudable efforts of public education supporters in both chambers, the final funding package is significantly short of what the House approved last month and lacks a multi-year plan to address adequacy, guaranteeing that our most vulnerable children will be used as bargaining chips in every subsequent budget season unless there is a change in Senate leadership,” said Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg.
Mission Accomplished.
Yes, it was 10 days late but the General Assembly delivered a $47.6 billion budget to the desk of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro who signed the bill on Thursday night.
“Since my first day in office, I’ve been focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania, solving the most pressing problems we face, and bringing people together in a bipartisan manner to deliver results – and I’m proud to sign this budget into law that makes historic investments in education and economic development, while continuing investments in public safety and violence prevention, all while cutting costs and reducing taxes,” said Shapiro.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with a divided legislature – and I’m proud that we came together with leaders in both Chambers and both parties to show that we can do big things together to make Pennsylvanians’ lives better.”
The $47.6B plan represents a 6% spending increase over the FY24 budget. Most of the additional funding is headed toward public schools and human services.
The main spending bill passed the state House, 122-80, and the Senate, 44-5.
“This budget delivers on many Democratic priorities,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia). “It delivers for our students by making a robust downpayment to address a generation of inequitable funding and creating opportunities for learners of all ages. It delivers for our communities by investing in proven public safety initiatives and by providing tools to law enforcement to keep our streets safe. And it delivers for working families by helping them stay in their homes, afford childcare, and access the health care they need.”
“On behalf of Pennsylvania’s business community, the PA Chamber thanks the General Assembly and Gov. Shapiro for passing a budget that takes important steps to make Pennsylvania more competitive,” said Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “This budget includes several key legislative priorities that the PA Chamber has long championed, including eliminating Pennsylvania’s Startup Tax by raising the cap on net operating losses, modernizing our permitting processes, and advancing workforce initiatives. These provisions will help attract new economic opportunities, expedite project approvals so that businesses can grow and create jobs, help employers address workforce challenges, and equip Pennsylvanians with the skills needed for the future.”
As Shapiro has mentioned many times, he is the only governor in the country with a divided legislature, noting that not everyone would get what they wanted from this budget.
For example, he did not get his proposals to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use and to regulate and tax skill games.
“I am disappointed that we weren’t able to get something done for the children that are trapped in failing schools. … I want to go back at some point and fight for this program that the governor said he supports, but had no interest in pursuing at all this time around,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).
Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), the ranking GOP member of the Appropriations Committee, spoke of a shrinking state budget surplus and urged his caucus and others to reject the plan.
“What will he have gotten for it? Has state government changed all that much? Do constituents tell you, thanks for spending more money? Does it really improve government service? I don’t get those calls, and I doubt this budget will change much of anything,” Grove said.
“The surplus will be gone next year, and this body will be looking for billions of dollars in new revenue. So citizens of Pennsylvania, the tax man is coming for your wallets. You can guarantee that.”
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) said the budget reflects a strong moral compass.
“This budget makes one of the most historic investments in what is our most valuable resources, and that is our children,” Harris said.
The budget doesn’t increase sales or income tax rates, the state’s two major revenue sources, although the package carries tax cuts for businesses to deduct more losses and students to deduct loan interest.
It will require about $3 billion of surplus cash to balance, leaving about $10.5 billion in reserve. Shapiro had initially proposed a $48.3 billion plan.
Public education advocates had asked that Pennsylvania put $850 million in new basic education funds for K-12 schools this year into the more than $7.9 billion the state already spends on it, in order to fulfill the Commonwealth Court’s mandate. Instead, only $500 million of the $1 billion new education funding will go toward that purpose.
“Despite the laudable efforts of public education supporters in both chambers, the final funding package is significantly short of what the House approved last month and lacks a multi-year plan to address adequacy, guaranteeing that our most vulnerable children will be used as bargaining chips in every subsequent budget season unless there is a change in Senate leadership,” said Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg.
Mission Accomplished.
Yes, it was 10 days late but the General Assembly delivered a $47.6 billion budget to the desk of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro who signed the bill on Thursday night.
“Since my first day in office, I’ve been focused on getting stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania, solving the most pressing problems we face, and bringing people together in a bipartisan manner to deliver results – and I’m proud to sign this budget into law that makes historic investments in education and economic development, while continuing investments in public safety and violence prevention, all while cutting costs and reducing taxes,” said Shapiro.
“Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation with a divided legislature – and I’m proud that we came together with leaders in both Chambers and both parties to show that we can do big things together to make Pennsylvanians’ lives better.”
The $47.6B plan represents a 6% spending increase over the FY24 budget. Most of the additional funding is headed toward public schools and human services.
The main spending bill passed the state House, 122-80, and the Senate, 44-5.
“This budget delivers on many Democratic priorities,” said Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D-Delaware/Philadelphia). “It delivers for our students by making a robust downpayment to address a generation of inequitable funding and creating opportunities for learners of all ages. It delivers for our communities by investing in proven public safety initiatives and by providing tools to law enforcement to keep our streets safe. And it delivers for working families by helping them stay in their homes, afford childcare, and access the health care they need.”
“On behalf of Pennsylvania’s business community, the PA Chamber thanks the General Assembly and Gov. Shapiro for passing a budget that takes important steps to make Pennsylvania more competitive,” said Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein. “This budget includes several key legislative priorities that the PA Chamber has long championed, including eliminating Pennsylvania’s Startup Tax by raising the cap on net operating losses, modernizing our permitting processes, and advancing workforce initiatives. These provisions will help attract new economic opportunities, expedite project approvals so that businesses can grow and create jobs, help employers address workforce challenges, and equip Pennsylvanians with the skills needed for the future.”
As Shapiro has mentioned many times, he is the only governor in the country with a divided legislature, noting that not everyone would get what they wanted from this budget.
For example, he did not get his proposals to legalize cannabis for adult recreational use and to regulate and tax skill games.
“I am disappointed that we weren’t able to get something done for the children that are trapped in failing schools. … I want to go back at some point and fight for this program that the governor said he supports, but had no interest in pursuing at all this time around,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland).
Rep. Seth Grove (R-York), the ranking GOP member of the Appropriations Committee, spoke of a shrinking state budget surplus and urged his caucus and others to reject the plan.
“What will he have gotten for it? Has state government changed all that much? Do constituents tell you, thanks for spending more money? Does it really improve government service? I don’t get those calls, and I doubt this budget will change much of anything,” Grove said.
“The surplus will be gone next year, and this body will be looking for billions of dollars in new revenue. So citizens of Pennsylvania, the tax man is coming for your wallets. You can guarantee that.”
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Jordan Harris (D-Philadelphia) said the budget reflects a strong moral compass.
“This budget makes one of the most historic investments in what is our most valuable resources, and that is our children,” Harris said.
The budget doesn’t increase sales or income tax rates, the state’s two major revenue sources, although the package carries tax cuts for businesses to deduct more losses and students to deduct loan interest.
It will require about $3 billion of surplus cash to balance, leaving about $10.5 billion in reserve. Shapiro had initially proposed a $48.3 billion plan.
Public education advocates had asked that Pennsylvania put $850 million in new basic education funds for K-12 schools this year into the more than $7.9 billion the state already spends on it, in order to fulfill the Commonwealth Court’s mandate. Instead, only $500 million of the $1 billion new education funding will go toward that purpose.
“Despite the laudable efforts of public education supporters in both chambers, the final funding package is significantly short of what the House approved last month and lacks a multi-year plan to address adequacy, guaranteeing that our most vulnerable children will be used as bargaining chips in every subsequent budget season unless there is a change in Senate leadership,” said Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg.
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