HARRISBURG, PA – February 4, 2025 – Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) applauded Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget address today, praising his focus on keeping taxes low, investing in Pennsylvania’s future, and ensuring long-term economic stability.
“I appreciate that the Governor’s budget does not propose any broad-based tax increases,” said Boscola. “At a time when working families are feeling the strain of rising costs, government should not add to their burden. This budget takes a responsible approach by introducing new revenue sources, such as regulating skill games and recreational marijuana, while ensuring critical investments are made in education, energy, and economic development.”
Boscola applauded the Governor’s continued commitment to education funding, noting that school districts in the 18th senatorial district will see a combined increase of over $18 million in basic education funding and adequacy dollars.
“Pennsylvania must move away from relying on property taxes to fund our schools,” Boscola said. “Until we enact real property tax reform, families will continue to shoulder an unfair financial burden. I will keep fighting for a fairer funding system that provides every student the education they deserve, regardless of their ZIP code.”
On energy, Boscola emphasized the urgent need to expand Pennsylvania’s power generation capacity as demand surges due to artificial intelligence and electrification buildout.
“If we don’t act now, our grid and household budgets will be under serious strain,” Boscola said. “The Governor’s plan to cut barriers and incentivize new power plant construction, through initiatives like the EDGE tax credit, ensures that we keep energy reliable and affordable for Pennsylvania ratepayers.”
Boscola also praised the budget’s focus on economic growth, pointing to Governor Shapiro’s success in attracting $3 billion in private investment and his continued push to lower the Corporate Net Income Tax.
“We must keep our foot on the gas pedal when it comes to job creation,” Boscola said. “Investing in our workforce, like the additional $13 million in funding for community colleges, ensures Pennsylvania remains competitive in the industries of tomorrow.”
Boscola concluded by calling on the General Assembly to work in a bipartisan manner to finalize a budget that prioritizes Pennsylvanians.
“Moving Pennsylvania forward, no tax increases, strong and solid investments in our future. That’s what this budget was about,” Boscola said. “Now, it’s up to us in the legislature to move some of its packages forward and negotiate.”
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