PA Budget 2021-22: Gov. Wolf Signs No Tax Hike Spending Plan

HARRISBURG, PA —Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday signed a $40.8 billion 2021-22 state budget package that holds the line on taxes, includes a $416 million increase in public education funding and places most of the $7 billion the state received in federal coronavirus assistance into reserve.

A portion of the federal pandemic relief money was allocated toward highway construction projects, nursing homes and public school programs to aid children whose education suffered because of the outbreak.

“This is a budget that invests in Pennsylvanians,” Wolf said. “It is a budget that will help those hit hardest by the pandemic get the support they need, while at the same time making crucial investments in our future by supporting the students and workers who will drive our economy forward in the years to come.”

Wolf touted what he termed a "historic" increase in the amount of public education funding that includes:

• A $200 million hike in the fair funding formula designed to equitably distribute state education funding across school districts.
• $100 million to support underfunded school districts.
• $50 million in increased special education allocations.
• $30 million for early childhood education.
• $20 million for the Ready to Learn program.
• $11 million for preschool early intervention.
• $5 million for community colleges.

“This budget makes a historic investment in education so our students get the knowledge and skills they deserve,” Wolf said. “Pennsylvania provides almost $2 billion more a year for education than when I took office. Students now have access to better technology, resources and opportunities and we are providing more help to distressed school districts.”

Last week, the budget passed the House by a 140-61 margin and the Senate approved it by a 43-7 vote.

The new fiscal year begins on July 1.

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