On Friday, the state senate has approved its version of the 2023-24 budget.
According to a news release, the budget “holds the line on taxes, promotes job growth, continues historic support for schools and set aside money to prevent future tax hikes.” The budget comes to $45.55 billion, which is about $300 million less than what Governor Josh Shapiro proposed in his budget and increases the rainy day fund by $500 million.
The budget also creates a $100 million fund for the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success program, also called “Lifeline Scholarships”, and adds another $150 million through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit, and provides $125 million for school safety grants and $100 million for student mental health.
At a news conference, State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman said they were committed to passing a responsible budget, and they have worked very closely with the Governor to meet his priorities, but he said it is not a perfect project, and sacrifices were made as well.
The budget the senate passed is roughly $800 million less than what the State House passed in early June. It will need to go back to the house for approval before going on to the Governor for approval. While the new fiscal year has started without a budget in place, it usually takes a few weeks before negative impacts are felt in state government.
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