Mark our words: 2025 is gonna be OUR year! 🥳 That’s right, no more excuses. We’re gonna hit the gym 5x a week, eat all the greens, and clean out the garage…maybe. 🤪
As we get our personal budgets all ready for the new year, let’s also take a look at what’s in store for the Keystone State! 👀
Here’s Five Fast Facts on Pennsylvania’s budget plans for 2025:
- ⚖️ Down to Business - Back in July, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the state’s budget for fiscal 2025 into law. The budget includes over $47 billion in general funding for next year, a 6% increase over fiscal year 2024 spending. Next year’s budget invests in a little bit of everything, including education, public safety, affordable housing, and public transportation.
- 🚙 I Get Around - Mass transportation will be getting a nice boost to the tune of $283 million in additional funds. Another $25 million is going towards the new Main Street Matters program to support local governments and neighborhoods. To pump up PA’s tourism, $18 million is set aside for marketing and related initiatives.
- 👷🏽♂️ You Betta Work - Money is also going towards workforce development. Roughly $2 million will go towards helping businesses move towards skill-based hiring. Another $2 million each goes to initiatives to support PA’s Career Connect program and the creation of a career pathway program. The budget also proposes a minimum wage increase from $7.25/hour to $15/hour.
- 📖 Learning Lab - Education is one of the state’s biggest 2025 spends. A total of $975 million will support the development of a brand new system that will link PA’s higher education systems with community colleges. Another program for 2025-2026 allows for median income residents to pay no more than $1,000 in tuition and fees each semester.
- ✅ Playing It Safe - Curious about public safety? The budget includes a $100 million increase in initiatives to reduce gun violence. Another $16 million will go towards new state trooper cadet classes and a $30 million increase in funding goes towards emergency medical services and firefighter funding.
🔥Bottom line: While we’re thinking ahead for 2025, we’re also wondering what’s in store for the housing market. Thinking of pulling the trigger on a new home? Check out our predictions before you head to that next open house!
What’s your new year’s resolution?
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