Guardrails for 'food residuals' on farmland, meaningful energy policies, and a felony murder dilemma. I'm Capitol reporter Stephen Caruso.
This is Access Harrisburg. I’m off next week, but you’ll still get an edition featuring recent stories.
With a Whimper
Commonwealth Media Services
HARRISBURG’S LEADERS LIVED TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY LAST WEEKEND, passing a $50.8 billion spending plan that gives everyone a few small wins without addressing any structural issues — or dragging out the two-week delay into a messy impasse during a critical election cycle.
The main budget bill passed with wide bipartisan support — 167-35 in the state House, 44-6 in the Senate. It continues the state’s adequacy payments to poor school districts, a win for Democrats. It doesn’t touch the rainy day fund, leaving $8 billion untouched in the bank, a win for Republicans.
It also continues impactful programs added to recent budget deals, like stipends for student teachers and scholarships for college students who stay in Pennsylvania after graduation. Rape crisis centers, which have faced financial troubles driven by federal cuts and state budget impasses, also had their funding doubled.
Subscribe to Access Harrisburg to read the rest.
Scoops, expert analysis, and more from Capitol reporter Stephen Caruso. Exclusive insight into Pa. politics you won’t find anywhere else. All delivered straight to your inbox weekly for just $4/week.
Subscribe