Pennsylvania has a new state budget.
Last night, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the $47.6 billion budget. It sees a six percent increase in spending compared to last year, including $1.1 billion more in K-12 education.
The budget is slightly less than Shapiro’s original ask of $48.3 billion, however he sees it as a good compromise.
“Throughout this process everyone came to the table with a willingness to have hard conversations, find compromise and get stuff done. We trusted one another, listened to one another, and we understood one another,” Shapiro said.
Some highlights from the budget include
- 6 percent increase for community colleges and PASSHE
- $80 million more for public transit
- $80 million additional for roads and bridges
- $20 million total for student teaching stipends
The bill passed in the House 122-80, with all Democrats voting in favor.
Local Republican State Representative Aaron Bernstine voted against the budget, calling it “the worst budget I’ve ever seen.”