House Appropriations Committee advances FY27 budget after clarifying education and civic journalism allocations

The House Appropriations Committee on March 23 voted unanimously to pass out favorably the FY27 budget after members clarified several funding items and scheduling questions.

Committee members and staff spent the meeting confirming technical changes and allocations before the motion. The chair said the committee would "have an updated web report and language to reflect the money for the civic journalism," signaling that the bill text and online materials will be adjusted to show that funding. Members also noted a technical change in allocation section E.25 to align HOP with 938.

A substantive discussion focused on language in section C103 (pages 103–105) covering education transition grants. One member explained that the change is a reallocation and not new spending: "It's the same money. It's no new money." Members said Joint Fiscal Office helped tighten how the dollars are to be used after seeing clearer needs from the Agency of Education.

A committee member referenced a $4 million figure connected to the package and asked that the breakdown be called out. The committee confirmed the Education Committee had reviewed the language, and members emphasized they would ensure the changes follow through to final action.

Members also discussed adult education language that had been expected to be included in the budget but was instead placed in a miscellaneous Senate bill. Committee members said they would monitor the Senate calendar—confirming the item was on notice and expected to appear on second reading—and prepare an amendment on the floor if necessary. One member said, "I want to make sure it doesn't go away," underscoring the intent to preserve the provision whether in the budget or the miscellaneous bill.

With no further discussion, the chair entertained a motion "to pass out favorably" the FY27 budget. A member moved the motion and a member identified as John seconded. The clerk called the roll; Representatives Lumley, Dickinson, Feltes, Kos Saska, LaRouche, Kowicki, Nigro, Squires, Stevens, Yacobucci and Shaw each voted yes. The motion passed 11–0.

After the vote, members thanked Joint Fiscal Office staff and noted upcoming caucus and floor schedules. The committee adjourned pending any need to reconvene live.

The committee action advances the FY27 budget to the next steps in the legislative process; members said they will follow the miscellaneous Senate bill on adult education and ensure civic journalism language appears in the posted bill materials.