PA Lawmakers Reach Budget Deal; Gov. Says He Will Sign

Pennsylvania lawmakers have finalized a budget for 2016-2017, the governor confirmed Wednesday.

The Legislature on Wednesday approved a revenue package to fund a $31.5 billion spending plan. Gov. Tom Wolf's signature could happen "within hours," according to the Morning Call.

The publication reports the spending plan includes a $1 per-pack tax increase on cigarettes and an extension of the state's 6 percent sales tax on digital downloads. The budget also includes $100 million from pending legislation that would legalize online gambling.

“Today’s passage of a revenue package means that we avoid another lengthy impasse, our budget is balanced this year, and we have greatly reduced the commonwealth’s structural budget deficit. I will sign this revenue package," Wolf said.

While the budget process may be complete, Wolf said "it is imperative" for leaders to continue to work together to address "our greatest public health crisis" – Pennsylvania’s opioid abuse and heroin use epidemic.

"While the budget allows us to expand treatment for individuals suffering from addiction, we can and should do more to address this matter that is plaguing all of our communities. My administration will keep its focus on this issue," he said.

This year's budget process follows a much more prolonged situation last year, when an impasse caused lawmakers to be nine months late in passing an agreement.

This is a breaking story, check back to Patch for details on the budget.