Overview

• The Democratic-led House passed a nearly $50.3 billion budget on a 105-98 vote, boosting public education and Medicaid compared with last year.
• Senate Republicans are sticking with the $47.6 billion stopgap they approved in August that mirrors last year’s spending.
• The Senate advanced interest relief for a Treasurer-backed $500 million loan program to help counties, early education providers, and rape crisis centers stay afloat.
• Gov. Josh Shapiro urged the Senate to adopt the House plan, while GOP leaders argued the higher spending is unsustainable and risks future tax hikes.
• Service strain is mounting, with schools taking loans, counties freezing spending, and Philadelphia’s only rape-crisis center laying off staff as the House adjourns until Oct. 27 and the Senate remains on 24-hour call.