The Pennsylvania Legislature passed a budget for the 2017-2018 fiscal year on Friday, but they have not passed the tax, revenue and departmental code bills that enable the state to spend taxpayer money.
The nearly $32 billion budget was approved by the State Senate Friday morning by a 43-7 vote, while the House approved it in the afternoon with a 173-27 vote, so it is now on its way to the Governor’s desk. But not everyone is happy with how the budget and funding plan is being separated into two different votes. Lawmakers are expected to return to session after the July 4th holiday to work on the funding plan. Governor Tom Wolf said that he plans to wait until lawmakers send him some or all of the revenue package before he’ll sign off on it, but he did have high praise for the lawmakers for passing a bi-partisan compromise budget. In a statement, Governor Wolf praised the addition of $175 million in education funding.
Governor Wolf has 10 days to sign or veto the budget plan before it becomes law without his signature.
