Southwest Allegheny News

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a 2024-25 state budget aimed at addressing the economic and demographic challenges facing the state, according to Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37).

“We’ve approved a responsible 2024-25 state budget that focuses on job creation, economic growth and education without raising taxes,” Robinson stated. “This plan adds $740 million to our Rainy Day Fund, securing Pennsylvania’s fiscal stability for the future.”

The budget includes measures to boost Pennsylvania’s economy by continuing to phase out the Corporate Net Income Tax and beginning the process of eliminating the Start-Up Penalty that hinders business relocation to Pennsylvania.

Lawmakers have also introduced a new Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program to address permitting delays. This program will establish permit review timelines by the Department of Environmental Protection and conservation districts, implement a new permit tracking system, and offer third-party reviews of air, earth disturbance, and water permit applications.

Significant resources are allocated to empower parents and families in meeting their children's educational needs. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program will receive an additional $75 million, bringing its total funding to $630 million. K-12 education funding will increase by more than $1 billion, with new allocations for Basic Education subsidy ($285 million), Ready to Learn Block Grant program ($526 million), and school facility improvements ($100 million).

Senate Republicans emphasized fair allocation of these funds across all students in the commonwealth. Additionally, school districts will benefit from reduced cyber charter school special education costs through a new state-funded reimbursement system.

To attract and retain students in Pennsylvania schools and connect them with careers post-graduation, the budget includes components of the Grow PA post-secondary education plan. This includes Grow PA scholarships of $5,000 for students in high-demand programs who agree to work in-state after graduation, along with $36 million in new funding for the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program.

An additional $25 million is allocated for career and technical education programs. Transportation infrastructure also receives significant attention with an additional $80.5 million earmarked for road and bridge repairs as part of phasing out State Police from the Motor License Fund.

The budget allocates funds for law enforcement enhancements and community health initiatives including county mental health services ($20 million), nursing facilities rate increases ($134 million), intellectual disability/autism services ($278 million), LIFE providers ($16.7 million), nursing facilities care reimbursement ($11 million increase), and intellectual disability/autism services expansion ($76 million).

Environmental quality efforts continue with $50 million allocated for the Clean Streams Fund established in 2022. Additional funds are designated for combating avian influenza through a new Agricultural Innovation and Development program funded at $10 million.

The Attorney General’s Office will receive nearly $5 million in new funding targeting human trafficking ($1 million), organized retail theft ($2.7 million), and appointing a special prosecutor for crimes on SEPTA properties ($1.2 million).

CONTACT:

Allison Dutrey

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