Budgets are much more than spreadsheets and line items. They are a statement of our values. They show who we choose to invest in, whose voices we hear, and what kind of future we commit to creating together. Budgets are about deciding what kind of Commonwealth we want to build for the people of Pennsylvania.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I spend many hours reviewing budget proposals, asking tough questions, and working with my colleagues at the Capitol to advocate for spending that is in the best interest of taxpayers. Crafting a budget is never easy. Doing so with a divided government where Republicans have controlled the state Senate for over 30 years, Democrats lead the House with just one vote, and a Democratic governor makes compromise essential. Still, if budgets are moral documents that reflect the values of this Commonwealth, I am proud of what we have accomplished this year.
On July 12, the 2026-27 state budget was signed into law. While the fight continues for passage of essential policies like paid family leave and an increased minimum wage, I am proud of the progress we made because this budget delivers meaningful investments for Pennsylvania taxpayers, without adding any new taxes.
Continuing our efforts to constitutionally fund our schools remains a huge priority in the state budget. Every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code. This budget includes $565 million in adequacy funding for schools that have historically been underfunded, along with a $50 million increase in basic education funding and another $50 million increase for special education for schools across the state. Public schools in Allegheny County are seeing an increase of over $26 million in this year’s budget.
Additionally, we are once again funding free school breakfast for every student, as well as providing $3 million to ensure students have access to menstrual hygiene products at no cost. While the budget still does not provide school lunch for every student, like my universal school meals legislation (H.B 180) would, these investments help ensure our students have more of what they need to succeed in school.
We also finally delivered something that many retirees in Pennsylvania have waited decades to see: a cost-of-living adjustment for an estimated 60,000 retired teachers, emergency responders, and other state employees who retired prior to July 2, 2001. This budget recognizes their service and provides long-overdue relief, as many have struggled to keep up with rising costs after so many years without an increase to their pensions.
One investment I am especially proud to have fought for is the historic increase in funding for Pennsylvania’s 47 rape crisis centers — we doubled their state funding to $24.2 million. For years, these organizations have been expected to do more with less while supporting survivors through some of the most traumatic experiences of their lives. Their workers provide counseling, accompany survivors to hospitals and court proceedings, answer crisis hotlines, and help people begin the difficult process of healing. Despite the critical services they provide, state funding remained flat for years.
This increase is a major victory for survivors, advocates, and everyone who refused to accept that the status quo was good enough. It sends a clear message that Pennsylvania supports survivors and recognizes the essential work these organizations do every single day.
Another investment I fought for that reflects our commitment to safer communities is $600,000 to support transportation for family visits to state correctional institutions through the Pennsylvania Prison Society’s bus program.
Research consistently shows that maintaining family connections during incarceration is key to reducing recidivism after release. A study on recidivism conducted by our own Pennsylvania Department of Corrections found that in-person visits are strongly correlated with reduced recidivism. Supporting family connections isn’t just the compassionate thing to do. It also helps people successfully reenter society, making our communities safer and saving taxpayer dollars.
These investments reflect my belief that government works best when it helps people build stable, healthy, and secure lives. Whether we’re supporting public schools, survivors of sexual violence, retired public servants, or helping families stay connected, these investments pay dividends for all of us.
In future budget negotiations, I will continue working for investments that help make Pennsylvania a place where everyone can thrive. Those priorities don’t disappear because one budget has passed. But progress matters. Every budget is another opportunity to move our goals forward, and this year’s budget makes strides in that direction.
I am especially grateful to everyone who spoke up, shared their stories, contacted legislators, and advocated for these priorities throughout the budget process. Your voices make a difference, and many of this year’s accomplishments would not have happened without your persistence.
If you want to learn more about the state budget, or other issues I am working on, I encourage you to call my office at (412) 321-5523, email [email protected], or visit my office at 658 Lincoln Ave. in Bellevue.
