Governor Josh Shapiro has proposed a $51.5 billion budget aimed at addressing key issues in education, child care, and public safety across Pennsylvania.
The plan includes significant education investments in public schools, childcare wages, and Medicaid, as well as economic development initiatives and tax reforms.
While many legislative and community leaders have praised the proposal, Republican lawmakers have raised concerns about its sustainability.
A major component of the budget is a $1 billion increase in funding for Pennsylvania’s public schools.
This includes an additional $526 million to address disparities between wealthier and poorer school districts.
Philadelphia-based advocacy group Children First has highlighted the positive impact this could have on underfunded districts in cities such as Philadelphia, Bristol, Norristown, and Pottstown.
Gov Josh Shapiro emphasized his administration’s commitment to fair education funding, citing last year’s efforts to reform Pennsylvania’s public education finance system following a 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling deemed unconstitutional.
In addition to increased funding, the budget proposes capping cyber charter tuition at $8,000 per student per year, which is expected to save school districts approximately $378 million annually.
Education advocates have largely welcomed these measures, though some, including PA Schools Work, have urged lawmakers to commit to an even higher annual increase of $1 billion over the next four years to fully close funding gaps.
The budget also addresses workforce challenges in childcare, allocating funds to give childcare workers a $1,000 raise.
Donna Cooper, executive director of Children First, highlighted the urgent need for wage increases, noting that teacher shortages have left hundreds of Philadelphia children on waiting lists for childcare services.
Medicaid, which covers 40% of Pennsylvania’s children, will receive continued support under Shapiro’s plan.
However, Cooper pointed out gaps in the budget, particularly the lack of funding for lead paint remediation, which affects thousands of children annually.
She also expressed hope for the inclusion of paid family and medical leave provisions in future discussions.
The budget has received strong endorsements from Democratic lawmakers and advocacy groups.
Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa called it a “solid plan” that balances economic growth with fiscal responsibility.
Other legislators, including Senator Sharif Street, stressed the historic investment in public education, while Senator Maria Collett highlighted efforts to reduce costs for working families.
Education leaders have also praised the proposal.
Tony Watlington, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, expressed optimism about securing necessary resources for students.
Not to mention, PSEA President Aaron Chapin commended the governor’s commitment to fully and fairly funding public schools.
On the other hand, Republican lawmakers have criticized the budget’s reliance on projected revenue from legalized marijuana and “skill games,” calling those estimates overinflated.
They have warned that the spending increases may be unsustainable in the long term.
Beyond education and child care, Shapiro’s budget includes nearly $300 million for mass transit and infrastructure improvements.
SEPTA officials have welcomed this investment, citing its potential to enhance regional connectivity and economic stability.
The budget also proposes tax incentives for businesses, particularly in energy production and workforce development.
The General Assembly now controls the Philadelphia education budget, and negotiations will determine the final allocations.
Advocacy groups and lawmakers will likely push for further education and childcare funding increases while fiscal conservatives seek to rein in spending.
The outcome of these discussions will shape the future of Pennsylvania’s public services and economic policies for years to come.
