PA Legislature Prioritizes School Funding in their 2024 Agenda Spotlight

The Investigator: Spotlight on Pennsylvania’s Lawmaking

Originally featured in The Investigator, this article explores the investigative and accountability journalism across Pennsylvania. Sign up free for more insights.

Upcoming Changes and Actions by Pennsylvania Lawmakers

In 2024, lawmakers in Pennsylvania are expected to tackle changes to permitting processes, finally pass a much-needed constitutional amendment, and address the overhaul of the state’s education funding system.

Post-Holiday Lawmaking Plans of State House Democrats

After their holiday break, the lawmaking process in Harrisburg may be delayed due to a leak above the State House Democratic chamber. Leaders assure, however, that their time will be well-spent.

Addressing Pennsylvania’s Education Funding System

The lawmakers are facing a pressing issue from a court ruling last year that declared Pennsylvania’s education funding system as unconstitutionally inequitable. A bipartisan commission has been holding hearings to find a solution to this problem.

State House Priorities

Other priorities of the Democratic-controlled State House include pushing bills that would raise the state’s $7.25 minimum wage, expand protections for LGBTQ individuals, and institute universal background checks for gun purchases.

Delayed Constitutional Amendment and State Senate Priorities

The State Senate and House Democrats are divided over a constitutional amendment that would allow lawsuits over past child sexual abuse. The State Senate is also focused on pushing bills related to permitting and regulatory reform.

State Senate’s Push for Regulatory Reform

The state Senate spokesperson highlighted various bills intended to cut “government red tape” including one that would require increased public transparency about permit statuses, one that would call for legislative approval of more regulations, and one that would create a review process for many regulations.

Governor’s State of the State Address

Lawmakers will be back in Harrisburg in January for a constitutionally mandated meeting and then reconvene in February for the governor’s state of the state address.

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