Harrisburg, PA, February 4, 2025 – State Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) today said that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 state budget plan is a solid spending framework that builds on two years of progress and paves the way for a stronger economy and safer communities for Pennsylvania.
Gov. Shapiro presented his $51.47 billion General Fund spending plan to a joint session of the General Assembly this morning at the state Capitol. The plan does not include a call for state tax increases.
Today’s budget proposal emphasizes affordability, job growth, public safety, education funding, and infrastructure enhancements.
Pisciottano commended the governor for prioritizing the Commonwealth’s continued economic growth by fostering a thriving workforce through development, skills training, and education, by creating an environment for small businesses to succeed by leveraging public capital to generate private sector investments, and by introducing a forward-looking energy plan focused on increasing production, creating jobs, cutting costs, and holding down electric bills.
Pisciottano was also encouraged by the proposed investments in public education, including school repairs, mental health, free breakfast, student teacher stipends, and special education.
A board member for Pittsburgh Regional Transit, the second-largest public transit agency in Pennsylvania, Pisciottano said he was pleased to see the governor prioritizing transportation investments in his budget address. Pennsylvania can attract businesses and grow its economy by modernizing the public transit systems and investing in roads and bridges to make them safer.
Pisciottano’s statement follows:
“Groceries, housing, utilities, and childcare costs have hurt families, and this budget will put money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians while investing in stronger communities.”
“I will work with the administration to fill out the framework of the budget with the details to help communities thrive and keep our neighbors safe and healthy.”
“I am happy to see the governor taking the opportunity to continue addressing the long-term and systemic neglect of our public education system, a system that has been declared unconstitutional in its inequity.”
“At the same time, I applaud the governor for investing in our police through the expansion and continued improvements to training and equipping our troopers.”
“The governor’s proposed budget does not include a call for additional taxes, which is a win for all taxpayers.”
“From lowering costs and raising the minimum wage, to equitably funding public schools and supporting first-time home buyers, the budget should lift Pennsylvanians of all ages in all regions. It is a thoughtful and balanced approach to governing, and I’m looking forward to filling in the details over the next several months.”
“I’m eager to work with Governor Shapiro and my colleagues in the General Assembly, on both sides of the aisle, to ensure that we enact a solid spending plan that meets the needs of Pennsylvanians and builds on our economic successes, without raising taxes.”
For more details on Pennsylvania’s budget, visit www.pasenate.com/budget.