HARRISBURG – The Senate approved a fiscally responsible 2024-25 state budget today that expands opportunities for educational choice and methods to grow our economy and strengthen our local communities while continuing to respect the taxpayers, according to Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48).
“While I am disappointed that my proposal, which passed the Senate in a bipartisan vote of 36-14 but fell on deaf ears in the Democratically-controlled House, cut the Personal Income Tax and eliminated the gross receipt fee on our energy utility bills was not included in the final product, I do take satisfaction we included real permitting reforms and pro-job programs that will attract first-rate businesses to Pennsylvania,” Gebhard said.
Senate Bill 16, sponsored by Gebhard, creating the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) was incorporated in this year’s general budget.
“Far too often we have seen nothing but lip service on the idea of growing Pennsylvania’s economy by attracting new businesses. Finally, we have a real program in PA SITES that will invest in site development, preparation and readiness for industries to locate or expand in the commonwealth. To attract real jobs, we need to be serious and make significant investments and this program is a great start,” Gebhard said.
The fiscal year 2024-25 budget that was adopted represents a $740 million dollar reduction from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposal in February. The budget also adds to the state’s Rainy Day Fund to hedge against any economic downturn in the future, bringing the total now slightly above the national average.
“I was also happy to see that the governor’s proposal to merge the commonwealth’s independent community colleges into the insolvent Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) system has been abandoned. I explained why it was a bad idea earlier this year that would have wreaked havoc on our successful community colleges,” Gebhard said.
Other highlights include:
- Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program to establish permit review timelines by DEP. This will also create a permit tracking system and the option for third-party review of air, earth disturbance and water permit applications.
- A $200 fee for electric vehicle (EV) owners due during every registration renewal that will increase over time to ensure EV owners pay their fair share toward the state’s infrastructure needs.
- A continuation of the Corporate Net Income tax phase down; keeping us on track to the rate from one of the highest in the nation to one of the lowest.
- $80.5 million in one-time funds to boost the Public Transportation Trust Fund.
- $80.5 million in one-time funds to be used from highway, bridge and road projects.
- Increased funding for: nursing facilities ($134 million), intellectual disability/autism services ($278 million), county mental health ($20 million).
- Grow PA Scholarships to attract and retain Pennsylvania students interested in pursuing careers within the commonwealth, so long as they live and work in PA for at least 12 months for every year they accept the grant.
- An additional $25 million will be available for career and technical educational development programs to ensure the state’s workforce is ready to tackle the ever-changing challenges in our modern global economy.
- Substantial investments in our K-12 students: $100 million for school safety & security and mental health needs, $500 million in the Ready to Learn Block Grant program and a $75 million increase in the Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC).
CONTACT: Alex Gamble