Pennsylvania House Passes $27.3 Billion Budget

After nine hours of debate, the state House passed a $27.3 billion budget Tuesday night by a 109-92 vote.

Now the bill goes to the Senate for further action.

All Democrats and two Republicans voted no.

On the "Metcalfe Minute" video featured earlier this week on his website, State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, said he was in favor of the budget, which was proposed by the House Republican majority.

While the plan maintains Governor’s Tom Corbett's bottom line, it shifts money earmarked for public welfare programs to public education.

In his Metcalfe Minute, Metcalfe said he applauded Corbett's spending projections because of its reduction to government spending.

"Our budget stays within those same spending limits the governor had set in his proposal, although it reprioritizes the spending," he said in the video.

House Majority Leader Mike Turzai, R-Bradford Woods, also spoke in favor of the final passage of the House GOP budget proposal. He emphasized the amount of funds dedicated to education for kindergarten through 12th grades, nursing homes, the mentally ill, seniors and those without health care who need Medicaid.

State Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil, who made an opposing speech on the house floor against the bill, said "This is a terrible budget for Pennsylvanians."

Editor's Note: Check back tomorrow for a comprehensive reaction story regarding the budget.