Spring is springing, and that means the House of Representatives has passed our budget! As provided for by our Commonwealth's Constitution, the House is the first chamber to consider the budget, and earlier this month we did just that. There are many terrific measures detailed below that I urge my colleagues in the Senate to build upon.
Despite fears that revenue shortages would undermine FY22 spending, our better-than-expected revenue forecast allowed the House to pass a comprehensive $47.7 billion budget. Above all, this budget prioritizes targeted investments for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionately affected our most vulnerable populations. The House's commitment to supporting communities in need is reflected in the sweeping investments in labor and economic development, education and child care, health and human services, and mental health services, among other sectors. Below are some notable highlights.