|
||||
|
In this Update:
A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Struggling counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding immediately from the commonwealth under the budget bill approved by the Senate on Tuesday August 12. Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 (last year’s) budget. If the House of Representatives also approves the bill, the state can immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 Billion, without the need for any new taxes. We can, and should, provide the resources needed right now to entities that rely upon an enacted state budget to pay their bills. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward, putting people above politics, and living within our means. This spending proposal is in sharp contrast to Governor Shapiro’s $51.5 Billion wish list budget that spends far beyond incoming revenues, and which would lead to tax increases. As with any budget, this Senate plan is not perfect, but most of the line items in the budget are not in dispute. I hope the House of Representatives expeditiously approves it since the June 30th deadline was 6 weeks ago. This is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive timely and immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to fund rural transportation infrastructure and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The plan provides approximately $600 million for rural roadway reconstruction, including many state-maintained roads the governor and PennDOT have overlooked. An equal amount of funding would be distributed to transit systems. Public Hearing Examines Data Centers Development in Pennsylvania
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorscotthutchinson.com | Privacy Policy |
