Today the State Senate approved a spending plan for fiscal year 2017-18 that holds the line on spending, increases funding for education, and funds core responsibilities of state government.
The spending total of under $32 billion is nearly $650 million less than Governor Wolf’s original budget request and adheres to the approach demanded by taxpayers by controlling state government spending.
“Despite increases in mandated expenses – including pensions, health care and human services – the overall increase in spending in the proposed budget is just 0.2 percent over the current year, well below the rate of inflation. At the same time, the spending plan meets the core responsibilities of government and funds key priorities – maintaining a quality education system, investing in and promoting Pennsylvania industry, and critical funding for law enforcement in our ongoing battle against opioid proliferation. The budget I voted for today limits the growth of government while still providing targeted increases to priorities for the 47th Senate District. An additional $100 million appropriated for Basic Education, increases for the Intellectual Disabilities community, and the restoration of funding for vital agricultural programs cut by the Governor’s original budget request are just a few of the highlights of this plan.” Senator Vogel said.
Contact:
Anthony Tammaro
atammaro@pasen.gov