Pennsylvania Senate GOP Passes Contested $47.9B Budget Amidst Partisan Dispute

The Pennsylvania Senate, controlled by Republicans, passed a $47.9 billion budget proposal that is $300 million more than the previous year, focusing on covering debt service and pension obligations while cutting legislative operational costs by 5%. This budget, passed along party lines, follows a House-approved $50.25 billion bipartisan budget plan aimed at increasing public education funding and Medicaid expenses. Senate Republicans emphasize their plan avoids tax increases and preserves the state's bond rating by maintaining a reserve, while urging Democrats to end the budget impasse. Democrats and Governor Josh Shapiro criticized the GOP budget as "unserious" and inadequate for meeting the state's financial obligations, education, and social needs, accusing Republicans of delay tactics and prolonging the impasse. The nearly four-month delay has left Pennsylvania without a finalized budget well past the June 30 deadline, with Democrats calling for serious negotiations to resolve the stalemate. The budget debate highlights deep partisan divisions over spending priorities and fiscal strategy for the 2025-26 fiscal year.