Temp Covid Money Means Forever Program Hikes In Pa— The Volcker Alliance, a nonprofit group that works to strengthen public service education and effective government, has released a report saying that Pennsylvania is among the states about to go off a fiscal cliff due to unwise use of federal covid largess.
The Keystone State got $7.3 billion from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) and appropriated $4.6 billion for the 2022 budget with $3.8 billion going to the General Fund.
Of that $2.5 billion was used to increase in the Department of Human Services budget by increasing the state’s Medicaid program, called Medical Assistance; giving $300 million for the Basic Education subsidy to school districts; and gains in other education programs i.e. $30 million for early learning, $11 million for early intervention preschool services, and $50 million for special education subsidies to school districts.
State health care centers and local health departments also received more funding.
“Although some of the health-related spending might be temporary, depending on the pandemic, education needs are likely to continue,” according the the report authored by Beverly Bunch.
Hat tips Tony Phyrillas and The Center Square.