Governor Announces 'Historic Increase' In Education Funding

A five-month long state budget standoff may be nearing its end in Pennsylvania, as Governor Tom Wolf on Monday evening reported “real progress” on a budget deal.

In a statement released Monday evening, Governor Tom Wolf announced: “I’ve secured a commitment from Republican leaders for a historic increase in education funding.”

The Morning Call is reporting that under the deal being negotiated, public schools will get $350 million more for instruction and operations, which is a 6 percent increase.

“After months of obstruction, we’ve made real progress on a budget deal and for the first time I’m optimistic we can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Wolf said in the statement.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that budget negotiators have been discussing a $30.26 billion state budget that increases education funding through a sales tax hike. State pension reform is also considered in those negotiations, according to the Inquirer.

“We’re beginning to make education once again the priority it should be so that our children can compete in the 21st century economy,” Wolf said in the statement.

He signed his statement “a very grateful Governor.”