PA PASSES FISCAL YEAR BUDGET

Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed a 2024-25 fiscal year budget.  Reports say that the $47.6 billion spending plan is a 6% increase over last fiscal year, with most of the new money going to public schools and human services to boost pay for direct care workers.  The plan also devotes more money to making college more affordable.  It passed both the state house and senate yesterday, and Governor Josh Shapiro signed it into law last night.  The plan will not increase sales taxes or income taxes for state residents, but requires $3 billion of surplus cash to balance it out.