Pa. House GOP rolls out state budget proposal

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Republican leaders in the Pennsylvania House took the wraps off a state budget proposal today that would spend about $100 million less than the governor has proposed but about $600 million more than what passed nearly a year ago.

The GOP leadership touted an increase in spending on K-12 education, funding to hire 300 more state troopers and greater support for certain health programs, county conservation districts and the state open records office.

The House is expected to take up amendments to the $28.3 billion bill during the second week in June, with the goal of enacting the spending plan before the state’s new fiscal year starts July 1.

State lawmakers also are considering three major issues — changes to public-sector pensions, liquor system privatization and a transportation package — that could require changes to the budget.