On Sunday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed the 2026-2027 Pennsylvania state budget, marking the fifth straight year that state lawmakers missed the June 30 budget deadline.
During his remarks, Shapiro said the $50.8 billion budget will provide $11.8 billion in education (up more than $678 million from last year), $193 million in workforce development and Career and Technical Education (up 60% from 2022), $125 million for start-ups, clinical trials and life sciences, $10 million million in relief for farmers, $12 million increase for rape crisis centers, $50 million increase for the child welfare system, $10 million for the 988 crisis hotline, and $5 million for mental health walk-in centers.
2027’s budget is a 3.72 percent increase from 2026.
“From day one, my Administration has been laser-focused on delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania – and what we’re doing is working,” said Governor Shapiro. “In a divided legislature, we’ve proven time and again that Democrats and Republicans can come together to get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania – cutting taxes, investing in education and workforce development, and keeping the economy growing. By listening to Pennsylvanians and working together, we’re solving problems and building on the last three years of real progress.”
The money earmarked for education will be invested in K-12 subsidies, including a $565 million increase through the bipartisan adequacy and tax equity formula, a $58 million increase for Basic Education Funding, and a $55 million increase for Special Education Funding.
According to Representative Napoleon Nelson, the funding will also provide an 8.8 percent increase for the Cheltenham School District, a 4.5 percent increase for the Jenkintown School District, and a 1.0 percent increase for the Springfield Township School District.
Also under the budget, schools must provide at least 30 minutes of daily recess for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, and 15 minutes for half-day kindergarten. The budget directs the State Board of Education to provide guidance on scheduled recess and breaks.
Shapiro’s comments on the matter are below:
More details about mandatory recess below:
The budget will leave Pennsylvania with approximately $8 billion in reserve as of July 1, 2027.
“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,” Senator Maria Collett said. “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.”
You can read what other legislative leaders are saying about the 2026-27 budget here.
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Photo: Commonwealth Media Services