Government Relations
On February 6 , Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his second budget address to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in the Capitol Rotunda . Supporters maintain the $ 48.3 billion state budget includes much-needed investments in key sectors of Pennsylvania ’ s economy , higher education , and people with intellectual disabilities and autism , among other things . Critics argue that the governor will recklessly deplete the budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund , and lead to increased taxes within four years .
The Senate and House Appropriations Committees conducted hearings in February and March , giving lawmakers the opportunity to question executive agency leaders and poke holes in the governor ’ s budget proposal . Intensive negotiations will ensue and culminate in the passage of a budget that will likely not make either side entirely happy . If all goes well , the budget will be enacted by the Fourth of July .
PDA ’ s staff and lobbyists will monitor the budget process so that PDA is positioned to respond should there be debate on any line item impacting dentists and dental patients .
Governor Shapiro ’ s 2024-25 Budget Proposal Breakdown
The proposed $ 43.8 billion budget for FY 2024-25 , is a $ 3.7 billion ( 8.7 %) increase over last year ’ s proposal .
Following are a few areas and items of note . Education
• Investments in K-12 include a $ 1.1 billion ( 13.6 %) increase in basic education funding for school districts .
• Investments in Educators include a $ 30 million increase in Pre-K Counts to increase the wages for early childhood educators
MARCH / APRIL 2024 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7