By Rep. Kinkead

As a state lawmaker who believes that our government should do the most good for the most people, I know that the state budget is more than just numbers on a page— it’s a statement of our values. On Feb. 4, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a $51.5 billion budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Overall, Shapiro’s proposed budget is a forward-thinking plan that prioritizes working families, education, housing, and public safety. While there is always room for improvement, this proposal demonstrates that Democrats in Pennsylvania are committed to using tax dollars to improve life for all Pennsylvanians.

I’m proud to be one of 37 state representatives serving on the Pennsylvania House Appropriations Committee, which plays a major role in shaping the state budget every year. Each spring, the committee holds budget hearings with state departments and agencies to review, evaluate, and question how they plan to use tax dollars within the governor’s budget proposal. At the time of this writing, we’re about halfway through the budget hearings. Budget season is always an exciting time of the year for me, diving deep into the fiscal details of the proposed budget.

It’s important to remember that the governor’s budget proposal and the finalized state budget will look different. To enact a state budget, it must be passed by a majority in the state House (currently controlled by Democrats), the state Senate (controlled by Republicans since 1993), and then signed into law by the governor. So, there’s much more work and negotiating to be done after the budget hearings. In the paragraphs that follow, I’ve outlined some of the most significant investments in this budget proposal and what I’ll be fighting for in our budget over the next several months.

A critical aspect of the state budget is its investment in public education. For far too long, Pennsylvania’s public school funding has been inequitable, with underfunded districts struggling to provide students, teachers, and staff with the resources they deserve. The governor’s budget plan takes a crucial step forward by proposing increased funding for public schools and long-overdue reform for how cyber charter schools are funded, saving school districts across the state an estimated $387 million annually. The current cyber charter system siphons millions from local school districts with little accountability — this proposal would begin to address that imbalance, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and in ways that better benefit students.

Shapiro’s budget proposal also aims to address the fact that families across the Commonwealth are struggling to find affordable, high-quality childcare, which is essential for working parents and the early development of children. By working for a budget that would provide $55 million in grants for the recruitment and retention of childcare workers, we’re recognizing that working parents in Pennsylvania need quality childcare that is more accessible.

Housing is another pressing issue for Pennsylvanians. Too many families are priced out of homeownership or forced into substandard housing due to a lack of affordable options. The governor’s budget plan tackles this crisis, investing $50 million into a Housing Stock Restoration program for counties to improve or maintain existing housing. For firsttime homebuyers, the governor has also proposed a $10 million grant program that would assist Pennsylvanians with closing costs when purchasing their first home. Both initiatives would help revitalize current homes, create opportunities for homeownership, and provide needed relief for families striving to build a stable future.

The proposed budget would also make strides in supporting mental health services. By increasing funds for county-based mental health services and resources for students, this proposal acknowledges the urgent need to expand treatment options and crisis response services. Whether it’s ensuring that individuals receive the support they need or preventing tragedies through better intervention systems, this investment would be a win for public health and safety in Pennsylvania.

One of the most innovative and compassionate measures in this budget proposal is extending Medicaid coverage to individuals exiting incarceration, starting 90 days prior to their release. This forward-thinking policy recognizes that successful reentry into society depends on access to health care, including mental health and substance use treatment. Helping formerly incarcerated individuals would reduce recidivism rates, improve public safety, and save taxpayer dollars in the long run.

While Shapiro’s budget proposal represents meaningful progress, I would like to see stronger investments in many areas, especially to address food insecurity. The governor has proposed a $4 million increase each for the State Food Purchase Program and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System, both of which help low-income Pennsylvanians access fresh produce. These increases are necessary, but they fall short of addressing the full scale of food insecurity in our state. We must continue advocating for stronger investments in these programs to ensure that no Pennsylvanian goes hungry.

Gov. Shapiro’s budget plan offers a strong foundation for making life better for people here in Allegheny County and across the Commonwealth. It would invest in education, health care, housing, and public safety while providing direct relief to some of our state’s most vulnerable residents. As we move forward in the budget negotiation process, I am urging my colleagues — on both sides of the political aisle — to put partisanship aside and prioritize the well-being of our state’s residents. The people of Pennsylvania deserve a budget that works for them, and I’ll do everything in my power to deliver a budget that does that. If you have any questions about the state budget or any other state-related issues, please contact my office by email at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call (412) 321-5523. My staff and I are happy to help you, your friends, and your family however we can.