January 5, 2016
In a last ditch effort to get much needed budget funds to schools and other public agencies, Governor Wolf approved the budget bill sent to him by the Legislature, HB 1460, but he utilized his line-item veto privilege, which cut much needed funding for specific programs that he felt were not funded adequately.
The bill included a $150 million increase for public education; however, it did not include any appropriation to reimburse schools for costs incurred from borrowing funds necessitated by the budget impasse. With his line-item veto, the Governor reduced overall appropriations in HB 1460 by almost 25%. The reduced Basic Education Funding allows schools to get approximately 6 months of funding, forcing both parties to continue negotiations on completing the budget bill. Furthermore, Governor Wolf reduced funding for the House by $19 million, and the Senate by $31 million, giving them great incentive to return to the negotiating table and work out the rest of the budget.
Essentially, the Republican controlled General Assembly, and the Democratic Governor have all dug in their heels and are steadfast to upholding their campaign promises of positive economic reform and adequately funding state programs, respectively—which, while honorable, in the end means no reform and no funding for anyone.
The Keystone Teachers Association will keep you posted as these items unfold.
