US EditionPa. food banks celebrating new state budget that increases funding for State Food Purchase Program
The budget increase to over $30 million supports food banks amid rising hunger caused by higher food prices and cuts to SNAP benefits, Hunger-Free Pennsylvania said.
- On Wednesday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a $50.1 billion spending plan that raises the State Food Purchase Program to more than $30 MILLION, prompting gratitude from Pennsylvania food banks and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania.
- Hunger-Relief groups said higher food costs and reduced SNAP benefits have pushed demand to COVID-era levels, while a divided legislature forced House Democrats to cede ground on environmental policy.
- State Treasury officials said they are prepared to disburse $1.6 BILLION within 24 hours once payment files arrive, though charities serving all 67 counties remain unsure when funds will reach them.
- With the budget signed, agencies can begin restoring services, and counties and social service providers that borrowed will now face repaying interest, while the state maintains roughly $2000 million in reserves.
- The deal increases spending by $2.27 billion over last year, a 5% increase, channels a nearly $1 billion infusion into public schools, and consolidates a $50.1 billion plan after a 135-day delay.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Meadville Tribune
Public schools see funding rise, cyber charter tuition payments change in new budget
HARRISBURG — Funding again rises for Pennsylvania public schools as part of a budget deal that includes new regulations for cyber charters and administrative shifts toward making it easier to begin a teaching career or renew an old one.
Pennsylvania lawmakers find compromise to reach budget deal
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) -- Pennsylvania's budget deal spends too much for some, not enough for others. Many would argue that's the definition of compromise. At a signing for the budget, more than $50 billion and four months late, that's exactly what Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said. "It requires all of us to compromise, to have [...]
Local lawmakers speak on affirmative state budget votes
HARRISBURG — Local legislators issued statements Tuesday on the passage of a $50.1 billion budget that was adopted four months after the state Constitution requires it. It was a budget impasse “that stopped the flow of billions of state dollars to schools, counties, and nonprofits that provide critical public services,” Spotlight PA reported. “The impasse was primarily driven by deep, partisan disagreements about state spending. While Pennsylvan…
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