PITTSBURGH (PTTP) — On Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a new budget to
Pennsylvania lawmakers to form a tighter grip on how he wants to pursue several areas in
this year’s new budgeting system.
After last year’s budget fight, Shapiro wants to focus more on higher education,
underfunded public schools and public transit in the state of Pennsylvania. Unlike last year,
Shapiro is set to deliver his proposal to a joint session of the Democratic- controlled House
of Representatives and Republican- controlled Senate in the Capitol Rotunda.
Shapiro proposed a budget of a new $48.3 billion spending plan to increase funding for
public transit and legalize recreational marijuana. The Democrat party plans to give the
state $14 billion in cash reserves and will use $2 billion of that, to provide for k-12 and high
education spending.
This is notable as Shapiro received pressure from last year’s budget. That founded the
state’s school system of funding for public schools violated the constitutional rights of
students in poor districts.
Shapiro also wants to tax legalize marijuana and regulate tax slot machines found in many
bars and restaurants statewide to receive new dollars to put towards public transportation,
economic development, housing, and health care.
Other areas to seek for approval would be the increase of minimum wage. Currently like 19
other states, Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is $7.25. Shapiro is looking to raise this to a
minimum of $15 an hour