Report on the 2023-24 General Appropriations Bill
Introduction
The Senate reconvened on Thursday to send the 2023-24 General Appropriations Bill to Governor Shapiro for enactment into law. This report provides an overview of the budget and highlights its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Budget Overview
The $45.45 billion budget spends approximately $400 million less than what Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed in March. The Senate’s action ensures the overwhelming majority of services are funded, while certain programs will require enabling language before funding can be released.
Emphasis on the SDGs
The General Appropriations Bill aligns with the SDGs by prioritizing sustainable development and addressing key issues in Pennsylvania. It supports various programs and initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs, including:
- Environmental School Facilities
- Educational Improvement Tax Credit Increases
- Rainy Day Transfer Amount
However, without legislative language, funding for certain programs will not be released. These programs include:
- Covid-Relief-ARPA-School Mental Health Grants
- Criminal Indigent Defense
- Emergency Medical Services Rate Increase
- Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief
- Level Up Supplement
- Teacher Stipends
- Whole Home Repair
The budget also splits the Basic Education Funding appropriation into two separate appropriations: Basic Education Funding and School District Social Security payments. This change aims to ensure sufficient funds for both areas, as School District Social Security payments are required to be paid from the Basic Education Funding appropriation under current law.
Conclusion
The Senate’s action on the 2023-24 General Appropriations Bill demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and the well-being of Pennsylvanians. The budget aligns with the SDGs by addressing key issues and supporting sustainable development. However, further legislative action is required to release funding for certain programs. The Senate stands ready to complete the necessary steps and bring this year’s budget to a close as soon as possible.
Media Contacts:
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Senator Pittman)
Jason Thompson (Senator Martin)
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
- SDG 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.
- SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 4.1: Percentage of children completing primary and secondary education.
- Indicator for SDG 11.3: Percentage of urban population living in slums or informal settlements.
- Indicator for SDG 13.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education. | Percentage of children completing primary and secondary education. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries. | Percentage of urban population living in slums or informal settlements. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries. | Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected people attributed to disasters per 100,000 population. |
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Source: pasenategop.com
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