PA Legislative Session
The PA Legislature is expected to finalize the FY 2021-22 budget this evening. The total spend is approximately $38.8 billion. About $1.04 billion in federal dollars will supplement the $38.8 billion, and approximately $4.5 billion comes from one-time revenue sources.
Education spending increased by $300 million, and $40 million will be allocated to the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. Most programs were level-funded, aside from programs within the Department of Human Services.
A significant portion of the American Rescue Plan Act money will be placed in the Rainy Day Fund in anticipation of future underperforming revenues.
The General Fund bill is SB 255 and the Fiscal Code bill, which implements the spending plan, is HB 1348. HB 952 is the tax code and SB 381 is the school code. HB 336 is the administrative code.
Aside from budget-related legislation, the House and Senate considered bills related to Workers' Compensation, agritourism liability, vaccine passports and vehicle emissions.
Specific to health care, the General Assembly considered bills related to prior authorization and step therapy, telemedicine, insurance-related issues, the Patient Test Result Information Act and abortion.
Once the budget is finalized, the House and Senate will break for summer recess and return in mid-September.
2021 House Session Schedule:
June 28, 29, 30 September 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29 October 4, 5, 6, 25, 26, 27 November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 December 13, 14, 15
2021 Senate Session Schedule:
June 28, 29, 30
For more information on the PA Legislature, see the Legislature's website.
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