The Pennsylvania budget process proved less controversial this year when revenue exceeded estimates and provided the commonwealth with a budget surplus. Recent budget years with lower revenues forced elected leaders to solve significant revenue deficits in a highly partisan political environment.

This article highlights accomplishments this past spring as the budget for FY 2018-2019 was closing and new budget items for FY 2019-2020 (FY 19-20) were agreed upon. It also reviews nonbudget legislative proposals and other initiatives affecting municipalities. Some proposals were not adopted before the legislative summer recess and many will receive attention in the fall. Others will be dormant for some time.