(WHTM) \u2014 Pennsylvania lawmakers passed the state budget quickly this week after 135 days of delay, but it wasn\u2019t either side\u2019s dream deal.<\/p>\n
The $50.09 billion budget includes lots of nos. No new taxes, no touching of the rainy day fund, no skill games taxes, no new marijuana revenue and no new public transit funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody\u2019s definition of perfect is different,\u201d said Republican Minority Leader Rep. Jesse Topper. \u201cBut this moved Pennsylvanians forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania won\u2019t take in $50 billion, but officials said they found reserves and lapsed funds to make up the difference.<\/p>\n
That allowed the state to create a new tax credit for the working poor and expand the income tax credits that fund scholarships for students in lower performing districts by $50 million.<\/p>\n
Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said throughout the negotiations, Democrats \u201cstayed true to our principles and our priorities\u201d on schools, safety and economic opportunity.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got some unfinished business,\u201d Shapiro added, singling out skill games and mass transit, which were central to the early budget debate. \u201cBut importantly, and without sort of revealing the confidences of our conversations around the negotiating table, I think we have, actually, a better understanding of where we are on those issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shapiro has a lot to think about going forward now that the budget is done. He has yet to announce his re-election campaign, which he is certain to do.<\/p>\n
And he will need to balance his \u201cGet Stuff Done\u201d motto that seeks to unleash industry with the Democratic base\u2019s anxiety over pollution and industrial expansion. Shapiro tackles that, as well as his relationship with Sen. John Fetterman (D) and Pennsylvania Republicans, in the latest episode of This Week in Pennsylvania in the video player above.<\/p>\n
Every week, This Week in Pennsylvania gives a comprehensive look at the week\u2019s biggest news events in Pennsylvania, provided by the abc27 News team, along with the latest updates on local stories.<\/p>\n