Pa. lawmakers hold weekend session to advance $50.8 billion spending plan

Pennsylvania lawmakers convened for a special weekend session to unveil a $50.8 billion budget, significantly past the constitutionally mandated deadline. The spending plan prioritizes increased funding for public education, introduces new energy policies, and provides long-awaited pension enhancements for teachers who retired before 2001. This move is crucial as it aims to address pressing financial needs and set the stage for future state investments, despite the delay in finalizing the budget. The urgency and content of the budget signal a shift in legislative priorities and underscore the ongoing challenges in budget management.