Donald Trump, in a long Truth Social post, said the GOP should end the shutdown by doing away with the filibuster to pass legislation.

The U.S. Senate is meeting Thursday to vote at 11:45 a.m. on various bills, though the House-passed bill to reopen the government is not on the agenda.

The budget pumps money into MassHealth, financial aid at public colleges and universities and free school meals, while holding the purse strings on some funds that sheriffs are seeking for their jails and houses of correction.

The state Senate passed a new $47.9 billion budget proposal Tuesday as Democrats warned of the consequences of not fully funding schools and social safety net programs. The party line vote came on the 113th day after the June 30 deadline to pass a spending plan.

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro and the leaders from all four legislative caucuses met in person this week at the state Capitol.

A busy “To The Point” for you this weekend as we discuss the state budget, ranked choice voting and the U.S. Senate race.

The Senate GOP’s counteroffer passed Tuesday included little compromise and little increase in spending. However, it’s a budget that will fund Pennsylvania’s needs, Senate GOP members argued.