HARRISBURG – The Senate advanced a responsible spending plan aimed at providing immediate funding support to counties, school districts, social service providers and other services in need of critical resources, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47).
While the 2025-26 state budget negotiations continue, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 state budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes.
“Our schools, hospitals, counties and other depended-on services should not be caught in the middle while awaiting a finalized state budget, which is why my colleagues and I prioritized their needs and passed a fiscally responsible, full-year budget that provides them immediate relief,” said Vogel. “This spending plan puts Pennsylvanians before politics, and it is now in the hands of the state House to do the same.”
Passage of Senate Bill 160 marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process as discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs.
Vogel serves as vice chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
CONTACT: Heather Burke, 717-787-3076