“With this funding, we can offer better wages, professional development, and the support our educators need to stay in the field and continue making a difference.”

“We know that the Governor will have to work with the legislature to make it all work, but as health care providers, we’re hopeful that the budget will provide the necessary assistance to care for those in need.”

“Governor Shapiro’s budget addresses this by investing in the recruitment of more officers, ensuring we have the resources necessary to keep our communities safe.”

 “This funding will ensure teachers have the support they need to make a real difference in the classroom.”

Harrisburg, PA?– Following Governor Josh Shapiro’s delivery of his 2025-26 proposed budget address, Pennsylvanians from all walks of life are sharing how the Governor’s commonsense budget will positively impact their families, communities, and the future of the Commonwealth.

Governor Shapiro’s budget builds on the progress of his first two years in office, proposing solutions to real problems faced by Pennsylvanians. His plan focuses on driving economic growth, improving education, enhancing public safety, and cutting costs — all while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Here's what some Pennsylvanians are saying about Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal:

Hanover Area School District Superintendent Nathan Barrett highlighted the impact of additional funding secured through Governor Shapiro’s budget to expand mental health support for students: “We know that mental health impacts every family and every community. This initiative allows us to focus on prevention, education, and care — right in our schools. We’ve placed social workers, trauma therapists, and traditional therapists directly in our schools so students can access care immediately or on a scheduled basis. There’s no better place to begin understanding mental wellness than in schools, where everyone comes together each day. Our goal is to make our community a better place, and thanks to Governor Shapiro’s support, we have the funding to make that a reality.”

Bob Coleman, a Berks County resident who qualified for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the first time thanks to the bipartisan expansion Governor Shapiro signed into law, talked about the impact of the program: “Especially with the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, every little bit helps—particularly for seniors and those on fixed incomes. Last year, Governor Shapiro took a significant step by increasing income limits and boosting rebate amounts, allowing more people to qualify and receive greater financial relief. These changes have made a real difference, helping Pennsylvanians stay in their homes and easing the burden of rising costs.”

Michelle Dallago, a U.S. Army veteran and executive director of The Perception Training Center, a childcare center in Schuylkill County, emphasized the impact of new funding to support childcare workers: “The initiative for staff recruitment and retention will have a tremendous impact—not only on The Perception Training Center but also on childcare centers across the Commonwealth. Childcare workers play a vital role in shaping young minds, yet they often face low wages and high turnover. With this funding, we can offer better wages, professional development, and the support our educators need to stay in the field and continue making a difference. By strengthening the workforce, we’re ensuring that families have access to quality care and that childcare professionals receive the respect and resources they deserve.”

Cheryl Harp, a Harrisburg home care worker who provides personalized care for her mother, Veronica, who developed dementia and needed more assistance at home, emphasized the importance of additional support for direct care workers: “It’s critical that direct care workers receive fair wages and the benefits we need to support our families while caring for others. For over 12 years, I’ve worked without health insurance, and too many of us struggle to make ends meet while providing essential care to seniors and people with disabilities. Thanks to this funding, we’re finally being recognized for the work we do. Being included in the budget isn’t just about numbers—it’s about valuing caregivers, ensuring we can continue providing quality care, and giving families the peace of mind that their loved ones are in good hands.”

Rob Hewitt, a husband, father, and teacher from Philadelphia who, along with his family, relies on SEPTA to get to and from work and school, highlighted the importance of supporting public mass transit: “I take a bus every day to work, from my neighborhood to school, and my family depends on SEPTA to get where we need to go. There are so many ways to use public transit to your advantage — whether it’s commuting to work, getting to school, or heading to a Phillies game on the Broad Street Line. Public transit isn’t just about convenience; it’s about community. I know my bus driver by name, and he knows my kids — he looks out for them, which means a lot to us as parents. But we also see the challenges, from crowded buses to service cuts that make it harder for people to get where they need to go. That’s why it’s so important to fully fund public transit. With more investment, we can ensure reliable, safe, and accessible transportation for everyone. Governor Shapiro’s commitment to transit funding gives me hope that we can expand and improve these services for families like mine.”

Jayden Johnson, a cadet at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy from Monroe County, emphasized the need for more recruits and the importance of investing in law enforcement training: “Now that I’m a cadet, I see firsthand how much we need more recruits to join the Pennsylvania State Police. Law enforcement is a demanding but essential job, and having more cadets means we can better serve and protect communities across the Commonwealth. The investment in a new academy is a game-changer — it will provide state-of-the-art training, create a stronger foundation for future troopers, and motivate more people to answer the call to serve. Governor Shapiro’s commitment to strengthening the State Police ensures we have the resources, training, and support needed to uphold public safety and build the next generation of troopers.”

Assistant Chief Travis Temarantz, representing the Wilkes-Barre City Fire Department, which responds to over 10,000 calls a year, highlighted the need for additional funding to support public safety efforts: “The funding we’re receiving right now is absolutely critical. As costs continue to rise, our equipment is aging, and we’re often stretched thin with fewer resources. Fire departments, like ours, play a crucial role in public safety, and without the necessary investment, we can’t maintain the level of service our communities need. This funding allows us to replace outdated equipment, ensure our firefighters are properly trained, and keep response times quick and effective. Governor Shapiro’s support for public safety ensures that first responders can do their jobs safely and effectively, which ultimately protects the people of Pennsylvania. It's about investing in the safety of our communities, and we are grateful for the recognition of that need.”

Alexandra Lon, an adult literacy graduate, shared how learning to read as an adult has transformed her life and empowered her as a caregiver: “Adult literacy programs are critical because they not only help people improve their skills but also give individuals like me the chance to learn to read and write as an adult. These programs provided the tools I needed to take control of my own future and manage the demands of being a caregiver. Investing in adult literacy doesn’t just change lives — it empowers people to better care for others and face the challenges that come with it.”

Trooper Meghan Molosky, Pennsylvania State Police, emphasized the critical need for continued investment in law enforcement to ensure public safety across the Commonwealth: “As a member of the Pennsylvania State Police, I can tell you firsthand how critical it is for us to continue to grow and strengthen our force. We need more people to come out there and represent Pennsylvania and protect our citizens. Governor Shapiro’s budget addresses this by investing in the recruitment of more officers, ensuring we have the resources necessary to keep our communities safe. This is a big step in making sure that law enforcement can meet the needs of the people we serve.”

Melanie Williams, a former student teacher from the Centennial School District, shared her thoughts on the positive impact of increasing funding for student teacher stipends: “Teaching is a challenging profession, and it’s no secret that it can be tough to attract people to the job. If more people knew they could earn a stipend to supplement their income, it would likely encourage more individuals to pursue teaching. Unfortunately, many student teachers didn’t receive a stipend before, which was a setback. But with Governor Shapiro’s increase in funding to ensure every student teacher gets that stipend, it’s a huge step forward. As a parent of two children in the district—one in high school and one in middle school—I know how important it is to have educators who truly care about their students. This funding will ensure teachers have the support they need to make a real difference in the classroom.”

Micah Gursky, health clinic administrator at St. Luke’s Hospital, talked about improving rural healthcare access and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities: “We face a wide range of health issues—physical health, mental health, and everything in between. It’s encouraging to see that Governor Shapiro is addressing some of these concerns in his budget proposal. We know that the Governor will have to work with the legislature to make it all work, but as healthcare providers, we’re hopeful that the budget will provide the necessary assistance to care for those in need. These are our friends, neighbors, and families in rural communities, and it’s incredibly difficult when access to care and availability of providers is limited. Rural patients often face unique challenges, like transportation issues and a lack of access to critical services. This budget could make a real difference in ensuring these communities get the care they deserve.”

Governor Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget will build on the foundation the Shapiro Administration has constructed over the past two years and move Pennsylvania forward as Governor Shapiro continues working across the aisle to get stuff done and ensure people across the Commonwealth have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.

Watch the Governor’s full budget address to a?joint?session of the House and Senate here. See here for the Governor’s full remarks as prepared for delivery.

Read more about Governor's 2025-26 budget proposal. 

Read the Governor's 2025-26 Budget in Brief here.

Learn more about Governor Shapiro’s budget here at shapirobudget.pa.gov.