An Act to provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Martin

Pennsylvania authorizes state spending for three government branches, schools, and debt for fiscal 2025-2026, plus prior-year bill payments.

Act No. 1A of 2025

Legislative bill overview

SB 160 is Pennsylvania's budget appropriations bill authorizing spending from the General Fund, special funds, and federal funds for all three branches of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial) for fiscal year 2025-2026, plus supplemental appropriations for the prior fiscal year. The bill allocates funds for ongoing operations, public schools, debt service, and outstanding bills from previous years.

Why is this important

This is the primary mechanism through which the state government funds its operations and services, including education funding, court systems, and executive agencies. Budget appropriations bills directly determine what programs receive resources and at what levels, making this among the most consequential legislation passed annually in terms of real-world impact on public services.

Potential points of contention

Education funding levels – The amount allocated to public schools versus other priorities affects property tax burden and educational quality across districts

Supplemental appropriations timing – Addressing unpaid bills from prior fiscal years raises questions about budget planning and whether new spending was necessary or avoidable

Federal fund dependence – Reliance on federal appropriations creates uncertainty about service sustainability if federal funding changes

Allocation across branches – Distribution of resources between Executive, Legislative, and Judicial departments may face criticism depending on political priorities