Pennsylvania House Democrats are on track to pass a $45.5 billion budget while sidestepping a potential controversy over a proposed $100 million school voucher program. Last week, Senate Republicans approved a spending plan that included funding for a private-school voucher program aimed at students attending the state’s lowest-performing public schools. However, House Democrats strongly oppose the voucher program, fearing it would divert funds away from public schools.
Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, supported the budget proposal put forth by Senate Republicans but only if it included his other spending priorities, such as increased funding for public education and universal free school breakfast. To avoid a lengthy budget impasse over the voucher program, House Democrats and Governor Shapiro’s administration have developed a solution.
While the House Democrats intend to approve the $45.5 billion budget, they plan to employ a legislative maneuver for the $100 million allocation for the voucher program. The money would be set aside in a state Treasury account, but it could not be spent unless lawmakers pass accompanying legislation to create the program. In a letter to House Democrats’ chief counsel, Shapiro’s general counsel Jennifer Selber explained that without the corresponding legislation, the $100 million for the voucher program would sit idle in a Treasury account.
The Senate Republicans’ spending proposal was generally favorable for Governor Shapiro, as it included over $567 million in new spending for public education and funded many of his budget priorities, such as $10 million for public defenders’ offices and $50 million for a home repairs program. The only demand from Senate Republicans was the inclusion of the voucher program, which has long been a priority for Republican lawmakers and conservative advocacy groups.
If the House approves the spending plan without advancing legislation to spend the $100 million on the voucher program, it will proceed directly to Governor Shapiro’s desk, leaving the money in limbo until the next budget season. This scenario would effectively undermine Senate Republicans’ goal of implementing the voucher program.
Governor Shapiro’s unexpected support for the voucher program has caused frustration among teachers’ unions and some Democratic lawmakers. The controversy surrounding the voucher program highlights the ongoing budget negotiations and differing priorities among Pennsylvania’s political parties.
Overall, the proposed $45.5 billion budget is expected to be approved by House Democrats, while the fate of the $100 million allocated for the school voucher program remains uncertain. This development has sparked debate and tension between lawmakers and interest groups, underscoring the challenges of establishing a budget agreement that satisfies all parties involved.
