The $28.4 billion spending plan was approved by the Senate earlier today and will now make its way to Gov. Tom Corbett's desk.
House Speaker Sam Smith, R-Jefferson, Rep. Mike Vereb, R-Montgomery, and Rep. David Reed, R-Indiana, speak on a balcony overlooking the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg. State lawmakers are scrambling to finish up a state budget for the new fiscal year. The 111-to-92 vote late today was a victory for Corbett and his Republican allies who drafted and pushed through the $28.4 billion spending plan.
Republican supporters said during several hours of floor debate it was a year-over-year increase in education spending and avoided new taxes and debt.
But Democratic opponents say it will indirectly cause higher taxes by forcing local school boards to boost property taxes. They say it underfunds important government programs.
Passage comes as the three other elements in Corbett's budget season agenda are on life support. Action has stalled on proposed changes to public pensions, liquor privatization and a transportation funding bill.