Governor Josh Shapiro gave his yearly budget address in Harrisburg this afternoon and he says the Commonwealth is on the rise.
“While there are still many challenges before us and many more problems to solve, we now have a real foundation to build upon,” Shapiro said. “Today, I can report that Pennsylvania is on the rise.”
To raise funds for the $51.5 billion proposed Shapiro called for the taxing of skill games and legalizing recreational marijuana.
Shapiro also called for cutting taxes and closing the Delaware loophole which allows companies to file their headquarters in Delaware to avoid taxes.
The Governor also celebrated accomplishments achieved during his tenure as governor over the last three years. Such as increased permitting speeds, increased job force numbers, and new funding for Pennsylvania schools thanks to previous budget increases.
The budget also calls for continued increases in education, new transit funding as several state transit systems run at deficits, and $30 million in rural healthcare funding, $20 million which would be dependents on federal government funding.
According to Pennsylvania budgetary watch dogs the Commonwealth currently faces a $4.5 billion budget gap.
With the legislator still divided after the 2024 election, governor Shapiro asked the legislator to work as one regardless of national politics.
“I know there are some folks in this room who will feel the need to just be reflexively against whatever I’m for,” The Governor said. “Remember, despite the wave nationally, voters sent the same group back here to keep making progress. And so I ask you to resist the temptation to put politics above people – and instead let’s continue to work together to solve more problems.”
The proposal will now move to the legislator.
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