15 hours ago · Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed state budget presented on Tuesday includes plans to close two state prisons. The $51.5 billion proposal recommends shuttering the prisons based on a downward trend ...

17 hours ago · The budget proposal says closing two state prisons would result in an estimated annual cost savings of over $100 million and closing two state-run centers would save an additional $10 million ...

14 hours ago · Department of Corrections Press Secretary Maria Bivens said specific locations have not yet been identified and that the process will be conducted transparently and in accordance with state law. Shapiro says the closures would save over $100 million for the two prisons with an additional $10 million saved by closing the two community centers.

1 day ago · Harrisburg, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his 2025-26 Budget Address to the General Assembly and to the people of Pennsylvania.The following is the address as prepared: Thank you. Lieutenant Governor Davis, Speaker McClinton, President Pro Tem Ward... Leader Bradford, Leader Pittman, Leader Topper, and Leader Costa...

20 hours ago · The plan also seeks to shave reimbursements to cyber charter schools, saving nearly $400 million in payments by public schools, and close two state prisons, with the state's 24 prisons at about 82 ...

2 hours ago · Shapiro proposed closing two correctional facilities as a cost-cutting measure, noting in a public summary of his budget that they had been operating under capacity. The administration says it has not identified which facilities might be shuttered. The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association decried the proposal.

19 hours ago · On Tuesday, for the third time as governor, Josh Shapiro presented his budget proposal to the state legislature as part of an effort to bring in new tax revenues while putting the state in a solid financial position. Shapiro’s proposed budget estimates $51.5 billion in expenditures, more than 6% higher than his $48.3 billion proposal last year.

12 hours ago · And although the state Corrections Officers Association said it would fight the prison closures, Shapiro said the budget supports corrections officers, noting the state had hired nearly 3,000 in the last two years, cutting the vacancy rate in half. In closing, Shapiro implored lawmakers in both parties to work with one another.

19 hours ago · Pennsylvania is set to spend $4.5 billion more than it brings in in revenue this year. Shapiro pitched that the state should address the deficit by creating several new revenue streams, including the taxation of recreational marijuana and so-called skill games, as well as tapping into its surpluses and an additional $1.6 billion from the …

May 20, 2024 · Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal to the state legislature included more than $200 million in additional funding for the department, which would bring the agency’s full request to roughly $3.3 billion.