Pennsylvania lawmakers approved the main budget bill July 5, making some small additions to the ag budget but leaving university funding in limbo.
The Ag Department’s general budget is $207 million, which includes increases for general operations, state food purchase, hardwoods and workforce development.
The budget also provides $2 million to support grocery businesses in underserved communities. And $1 million will be used to create an organic center of excellence to capitalize on Pennsylvania’s strength in that market.
“A budget is a statement of our priorities — and with new investments in students, teachers, seniors, moms, families, farmers, workers, cops, emergency responders, business owners, and more, this is a budget for all Pennsylvanians,” Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro said.
Emergency preparedness funding is level at $34 million and continues the governor’s avian influenza recovery fund.
The budget slipped a few days past the June 30 deadline because House Democrats objected to Shapiro and Republicans’ plan to provide state-funded vouchers for students in low-performing schools to attend elsewhere.
As a compromise, Shapiro said he would remove the $100 million scholarship program by line-item veto.
“It is a shame the governor does not have enough respect and standing within his own party to follow through with his promise,” Senate Republican leaders said in a statement.
The budget deal leaves several matters unresolved, including the funding for the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary school. The House approved $34 million, a small increase over last year, on June 26. The Senate has teed up the bill for passage but has not voted on it.
Funding for the state-related universities, including Penn State, also remains unfinished. Republicans had objected to several schools’ plans to raise tuition.
Penn State ag research and Extension received level funding of $58 million in the main budget bill, but other university programs receive funding from separate legislation.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-sinartcreative
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy