The State Senate last week voted on a 2012-13 state budget bill as a step forward in the process of adopting a final budget agreement by June 30, reports State Rep. Jim Cox (R-129)
Senate Bill 1466 would restore significant funding for K-12 and higher education institutions, which were cut in the governor’s initial proposal, Cox says.
Specifically, the bill would restore funding for State System of Higher Education schools, as well as state-related universities (Pitt, Penn State, Temple and Lincoln), to the same levels as the current budget. State funding for the schools was cut by nearly 20 percent in the 2011-12 state budget.
To enhance support for K-12 education, the bill includes $50 million to reinstate the Accountability Block Grants program, which provides flexible funding to school districts to use in the areas of greatest need.
Lawmakers are still reviewing the details of the Senate plan and anticipate bringing a budget bill before the House in the coming weeks.