Governor Shapiro says he is looking for an increase in funding across the numerous areas in Pennsylvania in order to compete with surrounding states.
“Ohio has 1.5 million fewer people than Pennsylvania, yet they invested over seven times more in economic development than we have. Their investment is paying off,” Shapiro said.
During yesterday’s budget address, Shapiro said this plan will not raise taxes but instead use the current surplus of funds in the commonwealth.
Part of Shapiro’s plan includes $1.1 billion in new funding for K-12 education, connecting PASSHE schools with community colleges, and an additional $200 million in funding for public transportation.
He also called for an increase in the minimum wage and the legalization of adult-use recreational marijuana.
Local Republican State Representative Aaron Bernstine called Shapiro’s budget an “extreme liberal wish list”. State Senator Scott Hutchinson, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, believes the plan would “set us up for a train wreck in two short years”.
The state budget process will continue with the House Appropriations Committee conducting a series of hearings beginning February 20th.
