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Governor Josh Shapiro

All articles tagged with #governor josh shapiro

politics-budget-proposal1 year ago

"Gov. Josh Shapiro's Ambitious Budget Proposals for Pennsylvania's Future"

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled an ambitious $48.3 billion budget proposal for the 2024-25 fiscal year, emphasizing significant increases in education and economic development, as well as the regulation of adult-use marijuana. The plan relies on utilizing the state's reserves to underwrite the vision, facing resistance from the Republican-controlled Senate while receiving support from the Democratic-controlled House. The proposal includes substantial funding boosts for public schools, higher education, industrial and high-tech projects, and various social services, with a focus on addressing systemic issues and making Pennsylvania more competitive.

politics2 years ago

"PA Governor's Bold Plan: Affordable Higher Education Overhaul"

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the state's higher education system, aiming to consolidate 10 state universities and 15 community colleges under one governance umbrella, increase state funding for public higher education, and lower tuition for low- and middle-income students to $1,000 a semester. The plan seeks to address issues of disinvestment and lack of affordable pathways into good jobs, with a focus on reducing competition among state-funded universities and improving access for students.

politics2 years ago

"Governor Shapiro rallies support for Sara Innamorato in Allegheny County"

Governor Josh Shapiro endorsed Sara Innamorato for Allegheny County Executive during his "Get Out the Votes" events in Pittsburgh. Shapiro emphasized the importance of this election for democracy, workers' rights, and reproductive rights. Innamorato's opponent, Joe Rockey, also engaged in door-to-door canvassing throughout the day. The election is scheduled for Tuesday.

politics2 years ago

Resignation of Top Aide to Gov. Shapiro Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations

Mike Vereb, the top aide to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, resigned abruptly following allegations of sexual harassment. Documents and sources reveal that Vereb's accuser, who worked for him for less than two months, reported repeated sexual advances and lewd remarks made by Vereb towards her and other staffers. The accuser also claimed that when she reported the behavior to higher-ups in Shapiro's office, Vereb retaliated against her. The circumstances surrounding the resignation raise questions about when the governor's office was informed of the allegations and what steps were taken to address them. The governor's office declined to comment on the matter, citing it as a private personnel issue.

politics2 years ago

Pennsylvania Enacts Law Expanding Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for Seniors

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a new law expanding the state's property tax rebate program, which provides financial assistance to older and disabled residents. The program had seen a decline in recipients since 2009 due to outdated income limits. The new law will make an estimated 173,000 households newly eligible and increase the dollar value of rebates for around 400,000 current recipients. Income limits will be adjusted annually for inflation to prevent people from being disqualified due to small increases in Social Security benefits. The changes will go into effect next year.

politics2 years ago

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro Ends State Budget Impasse, Approves $45.5 Billion Budget

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed a $45.5 billion budget into law, ending a month-long impasse. The budget was held up due to disagreement over a private-school voucher program, which Shapiro vetoed. The Senate returned to Harrisburg and sent the budget bill to the governor for his signature, allowing over $44 billion of the state budget to flow to government entities. Another $1.1 billion is held up until lawmakers negotiate the necessary code bills. Shapiro faced criticism from both parties, but he touted the budget as a bipartisan achievement.

politics2 years ago

"Governor Shapiro Ends PA Budget Impasse, Signs $45.5 Billion Budget into Law"

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has signed the state's main budget bill into law, allowing funds to flow to school districts, counties, and nonprofits. However, without accompanying code bills, the state cannot spend at least $1.1 billion on programs such as public legal defense, housing, and aid for poorer school districts. The budget includes an over 8% increase in education funding, but some advocates argue it falls short in areas such as early childhood programs and special education. The budget also lacks funding for adult mental health programs. Legislative leaders will continue negotiating the code bills, and the state Senate and House are expected to reconvene in September.

politics2 years ago

"Governor Urges Legislature to Settle Budget as Shapiro Criticizes Lack of Compromise"

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called on the Republican-controlled Senate to return to the Capitol and finalize a state spending plan, as the government nears a week without full spending authority. Shapiro disputed accusations that he went back on his word regarding the $45 billion spending plan, blaming the Senate and Democratic Party-controlled House for failing to reach a deal. The House approved the plan, but negotiations stalled over education funding, particularly a $100 million school voucher program. Senate Republicans, who supported the program, accused Shapiro of breaking his promise and criticized his lack of standing within his own party. The Senate has not scheduled a return until September 18, potentially delaying the budget bill. Shapiro urged the Senate to sign off on the budget and work with the House to pass legislation on spending.

politics2 years ago

Pennsylvania House passes budget, governor withdraws private schools program

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a $45.5 billion budget bill, which includes investments in education, workforce development, public safety, economic and community development, and agriculture. The budget includes a $567 million increase to basic education subsidies, $100 million for school vouchers, and $50 million for special education funding. Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign the bill, despite originally supporting the voucher program but later stating he would line-item veto the full $100 million.

politics2 years ago

Shapiro's Veto Halts Funding for School Voucher Program in Pa. Budget Bill

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that he will veto a portion of the state's budget bill that would have allocated $100 million for a new voucher program aimed at funding private or religious school attendance. The program was supported by Republicans and the Democratic governor, but faced opposition from Democratic lawmakers. Shapiro's move is intended to encourage consideration of alternative education options.

transportation2 years ago

Celebrating the Reopening of I-95 in Philadelphia and the Workers Who Made it Happen

Governor Josh Shapiro's administration organized a ceremony to celebrate the reopening of I-95 in Northeast Philadelphia, which was rebuilt in just 12 days after a gas tanker explosion took out the Cottman Avenue overpass. The reopening was commemorated by mascots from all five major league Philadelphia sports teams, union workers, TikTok influencers, and the president of the United States. The temporary roadway that reconnects the collapsed segment is built atop a big wall of foam glass sourced from Delco’s Aero Aggregates. PennDOT will begin to construct the permanent fix: a new overpass, built from the outside working in.

education2 years ago

Pennsylvania's Education Funding Debate: Private School Vouchers vs. School Building Repairs

A coalition with wealthy backers is pushing Pennsylvania lawmakers to use public dollars to create tuition vouchers so K-12 students can attend private schools, an idea Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration has reiterated that he’s on board with, to the dismay of many of his fellow Democrats. Private school voucher proposals have proliferated in legislatures across the country in recent years, and as Pennsylvania’s June 30 budget deadline approaches, supporters in the commonwealth hope to wrap the measure into the budget deal.

infrastructure2 years ago

Governor Shapiro announces reopening of collapsed section of I-95.

Governor Josh Shapiro and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll announced that I-95 will reopen this weekend, ahead of the originally projected two-week timeline. Crews have worked around the clock to rebuild I-95 within two weeks of the collapse, thanks to the coordinated partnership of PennDOT, the Biden Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the City of Philadelphia, and the hard work of the Philadelphia Building Trades. The roadway will be paved with 3 new lanes in both directions, and the Pennsylvania State Police will escort trucks carrying the pavers up I-95 to ensure they get to the site safely and quickly.