$565M to Needy Schools
In recent news, Pennsylvania lawmakers have just passed a $50.1 billion budget that makes additional investments in public schools and brings an end to a four-month budget impasse, which is the failure of a budget to be passed by the state legislature due to disagreements between the two parties.
The bills that made up the final package won bipartisan approval in the state House and Senate on Wednesday. PA Governor Josh Shapiro signed the legislation that afternoon, ending a four-month budget impasse that stopped the flow of billions of state dollars to schools, counties, and nonprofits that provide critical services. This also impacts the education funding and sector as well, and is a massive step forward for organizations like STEMEPA.
"I could have stood here on June 30 and brought you a budget that looked really different, that didn't have education funding, that didn't focus on our workforce development, didn't have a tax credit for working families. I think the key when you're in these positions — I know the leaders feel the same way — is staying at the table."
Josh Shapiro
Pennsylvania Governor
The budget provides $565 million to aid schools that were found to be inadequately funded under a 2023 court ruling. "For two straight years, a bipartisan commitment to adequacy signals that lawmakers have made this a non-negotiable priority until full constitutional compliance is achieved," PA Schools Work, a coalition including the plaintiffs in that suit, said. "That represents progress and integrity."
Those dollars will mostly flow to schools in low-income communities with students who need extra help or that face high property taxes. The budget also includes $125 million for school facilities and $100 million for school mental health and safety, but otherwise only boosts the state's general school district subsidy by $105 million, or 1.3%.
Aid for schools found to be inadequately funded under 2023 court ruling
Investment in school infrastructure and building improvements
Funding for student mental health services and school safety
Reduction in district reimbursements to cyber charter schools
Districts will collectively save $178 million through a change to how the state's cyber charter schools are reimbursed. The budget also mandates weekly wellness checks on students, wherein a teacher or administrator must be able to visibly see the student to ensure their well-being.
Follow STEMEPA for updates on how this budget impacts education and STEM programs across Pennsylvania