Pennsylvania Lawmakers Set to Vote on $50.8 Billion Budget with Focus on Education Funding and Policy Changes

Pennsylvania Lawmakers Set to Vote on $50.8 Billion Budget with Focus on Education Funding and Policy Changes

Pennsylvania lawmakers are preparing to vote on a $50.8 billion budget, which is nearly two weeks past the deadline. The proposed spending plan, released after votes in the Senate Appropriations Committee, includes additional funding for education and excludes revenue from skill games deemed illegal by the state Supreme Court. The budget does not tap into the state's rainy day fund but reallocates money from special project funds to cover expenses. Over a billion dollars will be allocated to education, with a significant portion going to needy districts like Harrisburg and Gettysburg. The budget also includes changes to education laws, such as mandating a 30-minute recess for students in kindergarten to 5th grade and updating cyber-bullying and cyber charter school policies. The state House and Senate are expected to vote on the budget plan during Sunday's session.