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Pennsylvania Enacts $50 Billion Budget After 135-Day Stalemate

Shapiro says withheld funds are now moving to communities statewide.

Overview

  • Dollars are being distributed immediately to schools and communities following passage of the roughly $50 billion budget.
  • The deal provides no new recurring mass-transit funding, with Pittsburgh Regional Transit warning capital shifts only delay cuts and fare increases.
  • The enacted plan taps surplus cash and omits proposed revenues from marijuana legalization and taxing skill games, which Shapiro says could be taken up later.
  • Pennsylvania’s exit from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative refocuses policy on a state energy plan, including Shapiro’s proposed "lightning plan."
  • Shapiro calls for earlier leader meetings and continuous sessions in Harrisburg to prevent a repeat of the months-long impasse.