Shapiro Gives 2024-2025 Budget Address

Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his budget address yesterday before a joint session of the General Assembly. Shapiro unveiled a $48.3 billion proposed 2024-2025 state budget, an over 7% increase over the 2023-2024 adopted budget. The proposal does not increase any existing taxes. Instead, it targets current reserves and proposes to legalize and tax recreational marijuana use and regulate and tax games of skill. Legislative reaction was generally along partisan lines. 

The plan includes an increase for mass transit (including half the funds going to the Philadelphia system) with commitments for local matches. Additionally, it would free up funding for state roads by moving Pennsylvania State Police funding out of the Motor License Fund. It would NOT increase funding for local roads or address electric or other alternative fuel vehicle fees.  

It includes dedicated funding to reduce gun violence and increased funds for affordable housing and homelessness, along with $50 million for Whole Home Repairs, which enables residents to make critical improvements to their homes. The plan would fund Shapiro’s new economic development strategy. To read the press release with links to budget documents, click here.