The PA budget deal explained in five maps and charts
The state House on Tuesday moved forward with a $34 billion general spending plan for the state. The House passed a general appropriations bill with a 140-62 vote, sending it… Read More
News
2019-2020 State Budget Passed
The legislature was busy this week, moving forward with the 2019-20 state budget and all the related pieces of policy, and while there are several items that still have to… Read More
Pennsylvania to OK $60M school security program for second year
Pennsylvania lawmakers say they’ll authorize a second year of school and community security grants, a $60 million program. Associated Press, June 25, 2019 Full story
Education secretary secures key reconfirmation vote from Senate committee
Gov. Tom Wolf has nominated Secretary Pedro Rivera to be reappointed to his post as head of the Department of Education, which sets policy for Pennsylvania’s 500 public school districts,… Read More
House OKs budget bill after stiff criticism by Democrats
Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives passed the main bill in a just-unveiled $34 billion compromise budget plan on Tuesday, despite hard criticism by rank-and-file Democrats that included a floor fight over… Read More
Pennsylvania budget compromise hinges on saving surplus cash
State lawmakers said they have struck a compromise on a spending plan that uses surplus dollars to spread around modest spending increases, hold the line on taxes and make a… Read More
Pennsylvania To OK $60M School Security Program For 2nd Year
Pennsylvania lawmakers say they’ll authorize a second year of school and community security grants, a $60 million program spurred by last year’s Florida school shooting that killed 17 people. Full… Read More
Some Pa. teachers could still get a raise as part of this year’s budget negotiations
Despite its lukewarm reception from Republicans, Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to give thousands of Pennsylvania teachers a pay raise may still find a place in the budget legislation expected to… Read More
When it comes to grading teachers in PA, test scores could carry less weight
The state Senate is poised to vote as soon as Monday on legislation that will de-emphasize student test performance in evaluating public school teachers and principals. PennLive, June 24, 2019… Read More
PA’s year-end surplus is official. But it won’t last long
The Independent Fiscal Office said Friday that the commonwealth can count on ending the year with $910 million to spare. That’s a jump from their initial estimate of $866 million… Read More