Twelve days after the state’s statutory deadline, the state Senate agreed to a state budget proposal in its Sunday session, sending a $50.08 billion budget back to the House, getting closer to reaching Governor Josh Shapiro desk.
The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives passed Shapiro’s $53.3 billion budget proposal in April, but the GOP-majority state Senate stood by its position, keeping its promise not to exhaust the Commonwealth’s rainy day fund or impose fresh taxes on state residents.
HB 2400 passed the Senate by a 44-6 majority.
Senate President pro tempore Kim Ward (D-Westmoreland) praised the work done by members on both sides of the aisle.
“By working together, making compromises and making difficult choices, we have done a service to those we represent,” she said.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland) is proud of the budget, despite some naysayers.
“The budget is an imperfectly good budget,” he said. “Excellence should not be the enemy of goodness. Voting for this budget means voting yes on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania.”
Senate Majority Appropriations Leader Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) said the budget is the price of divided government.
“When you have a divided government budget, you’re going to be happy with some things and not happy with others,” he said. “This budget allows the Commonwealth to fight another day.”
Minority Leader in the Senate Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) particularly noted the lack of fresh taxes and reductions in existing ones.
“There are no tax increases here,” Costa said. “As the CNI drops to 6.99%, taxes will be reduced. There are many other investments that will benefit Pennsylvanians. Ultimately, this is a budget that is definitely worth supporting.”
This is a developing story.
