On Wednesday, October 8, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives amended and passed a budget bill for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Senate Bill 160 was amended in the House Appropriations Committee and later passed by the House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
The bill originally kept all programs flat-funded at the same levels as the 2024-25 budget and was meant to allow the release of state funds while negotiations on issues such as education and Medicaid continued. The House Committee amended the bill to increase the total spending number by 5.1% to $50.25 billion. The spending increase largely comes from increased funding for the Commonwealth’s most underfunded school districts, as well as increased funding for basic education, special education, and Medicaid expenses.
The amended bill is now before the Senate of Pennsylvania for consideration. The Senate is scheduled to return to session on Monday, October 20, but Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has indicated that the amended bill is not likely to be passed.
About the Harrisburg Regional Chamber
For 140 years, the Harrisburg Regional Chamber has served as the region’s catalyst for economic prosperity. The organization combines business, community, and economic development services to enhance the region’s vitality and livability. The Chamber is a five-star accredited chamber through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—a distinction held by fewer than 1 percent of chambers nationwide.
