Pennsylvania governor seeks billions for schools and development in budget that envisions legal weed

Governor Josh Shapiro presented his 2024-25 budget proposal to the General Assembly and to the people of Pennsylvania - sharing his 'get stuff done' approach and vision to create more opportunity and continue deliveringreal solutions to the most pressing issues Pennsylvanians face. By prioritizing economic opportunity and access to higher education, making historic investments in public education, supporting law enforcement and public safety, ensuring people receive the care they need, and funding critical initiatives to help Pennsylvanians from our cities to our farmlands - this budget will deliver real results for the Commonwealth.

- Brooke Schultz and Marc Levy

 

HARRISBURG, PA. (AP) — Gov. Josh Shapiro's second budget proposes significant increases to education and economic development and would regulate adult-use marijuana while leaning heavily on Pennsylvania's flush reserves to underwrite his vision.

The Democrat on Tuesday unveiled his budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, in front of a joint session of the House and Senate in the ornate Capitol Rotunda, watched over by a heavy police presence.

After a relatively modest first-year budget proposal, Shapiro returned in his second year with an admittedly "ambitious" $48.3 billion plan that marshals billions more for underfunded public schools, public transit, higher education, and major industrial and high-tech projects to invigorate a slow-growing economy.

"I know that's a bold vision, and some will reflexively be opposed, saying, 'We can't afford that,'" Shapiro told lawmakers during an 87-minute speech. "But I would argue we can't afford not to invest right now."

Much of Shapiro's plan will face stiff resistance in the Republican-controlled Senate. There, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, R-Indiana, criticized the spending as "absolutely fiscally irresponsible and unsustainable."

Democrats who control the House applauded Shapiro's plan. The chambers will begin budget hearings in two weeks.

With a nod to his burgeoning catchphrase, Shapiro called on lawmakers to "get more stuff done."

Shapiro's spending request would increase total authorized spending by 7% through the state's main bank account, while tax collections are projected to increase by $1 billion, or 2%. The budget proposal holds the line on taxes and instead uses about $3 billion in reserve cash to balance.