In his first budget address, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro urged lawmakers in the General Assembly to work together to pass a commonsense spending plan, proposing increased funding for Pennsylvania schools, investments in economic development, and community-based health and safety initiatives.
Speaking to a joint session of the now-divided Legislature on Tuesday, Shapiro lauded Pennsylvania’s financial position, saying his fiscal blueprint uses conservative estimates that are $3 billion lower than those projected by a state forecasting office over the next five years.
The administration said the $44.4 billion budget proposal aims to preserve the state’s flush coffers while still making investments to promote growth and continue funding pandemic-era relief programs.
He outlined investments focused on the three themes of his gubernatorial campaign — improving the economy and employment opportunities, bolstering public safety, and building a stronger public education system — that led to his election by historic margins in November.
“Government can and should be a force for good in our lives,” the 49-year-old Democrat told lawmakers during a more than hour-long speech. “We can do big things again — if we work together.”
Joined by special guests — police cadets, an educator, a school counselor, the Allentown mayor, a first-year apprentice, and a senior participating in the state’s property tax rebate program — Shapiro described his spending proposal as “a set of commonsense...
Patricia White, 70, of Old Greenwich, received a nine-month prison sentence for submitting false claims for unclaimed properties to around 30 state treasuries. HARRISBURG, Pa. — Months after her br...