HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved a 2024-25 state budget that respects taxpayers, expands opportunities for Pennsylvania families, and increases educational opportunities in a responsible way, according to Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47).
“As a caucus, we have stood firm throughout the budget process that this budget would need to reflect a pro-growth, pro-jobs and pro-family strategy while also maintaining fiscal responsibility – the final product we achieved does just that,” Vogel said.
The $47.59 billion spending plan not only cut $740 million from the governor’s initial proposal, it adds that same amount to the state Rainy Day Fund, bringing that fund’s grand total to $7 billion, which is above the national average.
In continuing to break down barriers that previously hindered job growth in the commonwealth, this budget includes creating the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, putting $400 million toward the PA Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program, and further phases down the Corporate Net Income Tax.
Vogel said that in maintaining our focus in providing our students supportive resources, empowering parents in their children’s education, and improving our approach to educational needs, the spending plan reflects the following education investments:
- $1 billion in new funding for K-12 schools.
- $100 million increase in Special Education funding.
- $25 million increase in Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding.
- $5 million increase in CTE equipment grants.
- $100 million cyber charter reimbursement for school districts.
- $34.5 million reduction in cyber charter school special education costs.
- $75 million increase in Educational Improvement Tax Credit funding.
- $100 million for addressing school safety/security needs and mental health concerns.
On the agricultural front, funding was provided to help deal with the threat of avian influenza, establish a new western animal diagnostics lab, and $10 million was dedicated to a new Agricultural Innovation and Development program focusing on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices.
“Overall, this budget was crafted with the express intent of expanding Pennsylvania jobs, providing more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to plant their roots, and better addressing the current economic and demographic challenges we face – all to create a brighter future for our children and grandchildren,” Vogel said.
CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076