Gov. Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Education Khalid Mumin unveiled a groundbreaking budget proposal aimed at providing every Pennsylvania child with the opportunity to succeed and shape their own future. The proposal includes significant investments in public schools, teacher support, and early learning programs.
The budget plan includes a $1.1 billion increase in funding for K-12 education, with a focus on adequacy investments and distribution through the Basic Education Funding Formula. Additionally, $300 million will be allocated for environmental school repairs, $50 million for special education funding, and $50 million for school safety and security improvements.
Furthermore, the proposal includes $30 million for Pre-K programs, $15 million for student teacher stipends, and a $50 million increase in special education funding. Gov. Shapiro emphasized the importance of providing every student with the tools they need to succeed, highlighting the historic progress made in K-12 education funding during his administration.
In addition to the K-12 education investments, Sen. Jay Costa and Rep. Peter Schweyer introduced legislation to support higher education in Pennsylvania. The plan aims to reinvest in publicly funded colleges and universities, make college more affordable, and close workforce shortage gaps by helping more Pennsylvanians earn college credentials.
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser also co-sponsored legislation to reduce dependence on Chinese battery manufacturers, citing security vulnerabilities and the need to protect national security interests. The bill would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from procuring batteries from Chinese companies closely linked to the Chinese Communist Party.
Overall, these initiatives represent a comprehensive effort to invest in education, support workforce development, and protect national security interests in Pennsylvania. The proposed budget and legislation aim to create opportunities for all Pennsylvanians to succeed and thrive in the future.