Overview
- Sources say the proposed spending plan totals about $50.1 billion, a roughly 4.7% increase over last year, with final details still being drafted.
- The House scheduled a voting session for Wednesday morning and the Senate announced a return Tuesday, signaling budget legislation could be unveiled soon.
- More than $5 billion in state payments to school districts have been delayed since July, with counties and social service providers also facing cash shortfalls.
- Districts have turned to short-term borrowing; Philadelphia authorized up to $1.55 billion, has drawn $585.5 million, and could owe roughly $30 million in interest.
- Negotiations continue over education funding distribution and a Republican push to exit the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, as some districts warn they may not operate past January without state funds.