Gov. Tom Corbett signed the state budget at 11:30 p.m., June 30 just a half hour before the deadline expired.
The budget calls for $27.656 billion in General Fund spending over the next fiscal year which is an increase of $395 million according to the State House Republican Caucus.
The budget enacted June 30, 2011, however, called for $27.150 billion in General Fund spending according to the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget which would make the increase $506 million.
Also, the General Fund accounts for less than half the spending by the state. Commonwealth Foundation noted that its total operating budget in FY 2011-2012 was $63.4 billion taking into account $4.3 billion in special funds, $22.1 billion in federal funds and $9.8 billion in other funds.
Did you know that the state gasoline tax and motor vehicle registration fees do not go into the General Fund? No, they are dumped into the Motor License Fund which is one of the special funds. Money gained by the Pennsylvania Lottery also has a fund of its own and is not included with the General Fund. Here is a primer.
The House Republicans note that in this year’s budget “all 500 school districts will be funded at the same level or greater than 2011-12.“
Just a fast look at the way these people spend out money is enough to make you sick. I’m not kidding! My stomach is churning. We need term limits desperately.