Kyle Donahue

Lawmakers in Harrisburg finally passed a state budget on Wednesday after an impasse that lasted more than four months.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50.1 billion 2025-2026 spending plan that boosts funding for public school, curtails spending for cyber schools and offers an earned income tax credit.

Farmers and environmentalists criticized the USDA in Scranton for cutting a program that funded climate change resistance projects. Meanwhile, U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick stopped in Scranton and Tobyhanna to tour local defense operations.

Farmers, environmentalists and State Rep. Kyle Donahue criticized the U.S. Department of Agriculture for cutting its Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities program during a press event at Nay Aug Park.

Democrats defend the spending plan and portray its use of $1.6 billion in Rainy Day Fund money as a starting point for budget negotiations.

With budget negotiations ongoing, education advocates strengthen calls for fair funding.