Harrisburg, Pa. — July 12, 2026 — On Sunday, the Pennsylvania Senate passed the FY 2026-2027 budget bill, which now heads to Governor Shapiro for enactment.
Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Democratic Caucus Chair) voted in favor of this year’s general appropriations bill and would like to share her comments:
“I am proud that, despite Senate Republicans’ dedication to obstructing progress for working families, Senate and House Democrats have worked hand in hand with Governor Shapiro and his administration to deliver key victories to keep moving Pennsylvania forward. We fought for a budget that invests in our students, grows our workforce, and expands economic opportunity for Pennsylvanians struggling to make ends meet – without raising anyone’s taxes.
“I’m particularly proud that we secured an additional $81 million for nursing homes by improving how Medicaid reimbursement rates are calculated, a reform I have championed as Chair of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee. And after more than 25 years, I’m pleased that we have finally delivered a cost-of-living adjustment for Pre Act 9 retirees, so our retired teachers, police officers and fire fighters can live and age with dignity.
“At the same time, I’m frustrated that the Senate Republican majority continues to fail to bring up legislation that would provide real relief for everyday Pennsylvanians: raising the minimum wage, funding public transit, closing the Delaware loophole and more. I’m ready to keep up the fight on behalf of my constituents, at home in my district and in the halls of the Capitol, because I know they deserve better.”
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