A budget bill that includes a roughly 5-percent spending increase was approved by the Pa. State Senate Wednesday. The $31.6-billion dollar package had a few minor changes from the version that was passed by the state house the day before. But both plans cover higher pension obligations along with more funding for public schools and money to fight the state’s opioid crisis. Both plans had bi-partisan support. Governor Tom Wolf thanked those for their leadership but added that he will continue to engage to achieve a sustainable revenue package. The house legislation uses a combination of expanding gambling, reforming the state’s liquor system and hiking taxes on tobacco to pay for the higher spending. Pa’s new fiscal year starts Friday.
