Christopher L. Paris

The budget includes funds from various sources and totals $35.8 billion. The proposed General Fund Budget is $17.8 billion, reflecting a 3 percent increase. Tax reductions are proposed to aid working families and stimulate job creation. The budget focuses on job retention and creation through tax cuts, capital provision, technology, marketing, and support services. It includes workforce development strategies, international trade and export assistance, agribusiness support, tourism reinforcement, and community support through initiatives like Keystone Opportunity Zones. The budget also allocates funds to basic and higher education, protection of persons and property, health and human services, transportation, and recreation and cultural enrichment.

Authorizing adjustments to expenditures of federal funds for payment for the period July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. Adjustments are made from the Administration Fund to Labor and Industry for COVID-Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Administration, COVID-Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Administration, and COVID-Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Administration.

The 2014-15 Executive Budget addresses the concerns of all Pennsylvanians and continues historic investments in schools, support for job creators, and care for neighbors in need. It focuses on job training opportunities, the resurgence of Pennsylvania's manufacturing, life sciences, and technology sectors, and making quality health care accessible and affordable. The budget includes initiatives such as Healthy Pennsylvania, pension reform, and strategic investments in education, economic development, and health care.

The document includes the Executive Budget Message from Governor Raymond P. Shafer to the General Assembly, presenting an innovative, long-range financial plan for the Commonwealth. It highlights the work of the Priorities Commission, economists, labor and business leaders, educators, and tax experts. The plan emphasizes truth in spending, a five-year budget, and the use of the Planning-Programming-Budgeting System. Key areas of focus include education, health, welfare, and addressing the fiscal crisis faced by state and local governments.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is issuing general obligation bonds for capital facilities projects, environmental improvement programs, and refunding certain outstanding bond issues. The Second Series Bonds will finance capital facilities, Pennvest projects, Pennworks projects, and Growing Greener projects. The First Refunding Series Bonds will refund certain outstanding bond issues of the Commonwealth to reduce debt service. The bonds are direct and general obligations of the Commonwealth, with the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth pledged for payment.