HARRISBURG, PA – February 4, 2025 – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro laid out his vision and priorities for the 2025-26 Budget. In it, the Governor proposed an agenda for solving the problems facing Pennsylvanians and increasing opportunities for Pennsylvania’s families and workers.
“Today’s budget proposal is a very solid plan to deliver critical growth, freedom, and opportunity to every Pennsylvanian,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “Governor Shapiro’s plan is a commonsense approach to progress in our state, balancing fiscal responsibility with a bold vision for improving the lives of our families and workers. From ensuring folks can get to work on functional roads and transit systems to unleashing our energy potential, Pennsylvania stands poised to seize the opportunities before us. I look forward to the next few weeks of budget hearings and collaborative discussions with my colleagues in all four caucuses as we move forward.”
Senator Vincent Hughes, Democratic Appropriations Chair, said, “This budget is a testament to Governor Shapiro’s commitment to hardworking Pennsylvania’s. It funds student teachers and schools, childcare providers, direct care workers, and opportunities for young people and adults to develop new skills and get high paying jobs. It introduces new money for affordable housing, lower utility costs, and tax relief for homeowners.
We want the people of Pennsylvania to know we are listening, and we are fighting for them. While we continue to see chaos and reckless cuts out of Washington, Governor Shapiro and state Democrats are committed to protecting Pennsylvanians from paying more for basic necessities. We are focused on affordability. We are serving the people of Pennsylvania, not a handful of millionaires and billionaires.”
The Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus has laid out its vision to deliver For Every Pennsylvanian. This year’s budget includes important developments on some crucial areas, including:
- $1 billion in tax relief for homeowners
- Over $8.2 billion for public schools, bringing the total Shapiro Administration investment to $1.1 trillion
- $40 million for student teacher stipends, bringing the total program investment to $70 million
- Over $90 million for gun violence prevention
- Over $23 million to support primary health care practitioners with student loan payments
- $55M for childcare worker recruitment and retention
- $292.5M for mass transit throughout Pennsylvania
- $50 million to incentivize the development of the life sciences industry in Pennsylvania
- A $15 minimum wage
More information about the caucus’s priorities is available at PASenate.com/priorities.
Footage of today’s press conference is available at PASenate.com/budget. Downloadable footage is available upon request.
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