The Pennsylvania State Senate has approved a temporary budget for the second time this year, aiming to provide necessary funding to counties, school districts, and other state government partners. Senator Dave Argall (R-29) stated, “This is our most important vote of the year – a state budget that fully funds essential services without massive tax hikes. It’s past time for House leadership to bring this bill to a vote. If they do, I’m convinced it will be sent immediately to the governor for his signature. I was pleased to again support this legislation, on behalf of my constituents in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties.”
The amended Senate Bill 160 sets spending at $47.9 billion, which is $300 million higher than the plan passed by the Senate in August. The new proposal does not include any tax increases for families in Pennsylvania.
In addition to the budget measure, the Senate voted 33-17 in favor of Senate Bill 1068 to repeal Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a multi-state agreement intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but has faced criticism over potential increases in electricity rates and impacts on jobs within energy and manufacturing sectors. Senator Argall commented, “Today, I agreed 100% with my neighbor in the Senate, Lisa Boscola, on the dire need to repeal RGGI.” Senator Boscola added on the Senate floor: “RGGI is a relic. It does not reflect the realities of today’s grid or today’s cost. It’s time to move on and put Pennsylvania back in control of our energy future.”
The Senate also advanced Senate Bill 6 with bipartisan support. This permitting reform bill seeks greater accountability and efficiency from state agencies handling permit applications by establishing clear review timelines, creating a permit tracking system, and ensuring timely responses for applicants rather than prolonged delays.
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry expressed support for this reform: “By improving communication, ensuring accountability and reducing permitting delays, Senate Bill 6 helps build a regulatory environment that fosters business growth, innovation and long-term competitiveness.”
All three bills now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
