Budget Update & Return to Legislative Session

Budget Update & Return to Legislative Session

The Pennsylvania state Senate returns to session on Monday, September 18^th, while the House remains out until Tuesday, September 26^th. The House delayed its return until after the special election to fill the vacant 21^st House District seat, which is scheduled for September 19^th. The 21^st House District includes parts of Pittsburgh as well as nearby Etna, Millvale, Reserve, and Shaler and is expected to remain a democratic seat. When the House does return, they will be faced with the decision whether to take up either of the two fiscal code bills that the Senate approved on August 31^st. These fiscal code bills contain the legislative language necessary to enable the state tospend approximately $1.1 billion of the funds allocated in the $45.5 billion budget bill that was signed into law last month. The bills also include various funding priorities and adjustments.

The Senate's decision to cut funding for several Democratic priorities in the state's spending plan, including support for the poorest school districts and a popular home-repair assistance program, has drawn criticism from teachers' unions. They argue that these actions undermine public education and vital programs. Negotiations between House Democrats and Senate Republicans have been challenging, with limited communication between the two chambers. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman stated that they are now waiting for House Democrats to counter their proposals, emphasizing that they are "negotiating in public."

Connect with the Governor

Today Governor Josh Shapiro launched a new initiative to connect directly with Pennsylvanians via Text. The new communication system runs through a platform that connects elected officials, businesses, sports teams, and others to their public via 10-digit phone numbers. Other users of the platform include President Joe Biden and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Shapiro’s office unveiled the phone number on social media today, encouraging Pennsylvanians to contact him at 717-788-8990 saying, “To best serve the people of Pennsylvania, we have to meet people where they are – and do it effectively and efficiently. No matter how you choose to access government, you need to know you’re going to get help, whether you're walking into a building or sending me a text. More importantly, I want to hear what you think, what my Administration and I can help with, and your stories. Shoot us a text at 717-788-8990 to sign up.”