{"id":242315,"date":"2026-07-13T15:53:13","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:53:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/242315\/"},"modified":"2026-07-13T15:53:13","modified_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:53:13","slug":"berks-lawmakers-react-to-pennsylvania-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/242315\/","title":{"rendered":"Berks lawmakers react to Pennsylvania budget"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pennsylvania has a new budget.<\/p>\n

Sunday afternoon \u2014 almost two weeks after its June 30 due date \u2014 the state Legislature passed a $50.8 billion spending plan, which was quickly signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro.<\/p>\n

The budget includes new investments in education; provides a pension boost to thousands of retired school, state and emergency response workers; expands workforce development initiatives; and increases support for children and families.<\/p>\n

The plan also preserves the state\u2019s nearly $8 billion rainy day fund.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what lawmakers who represent Berks County are saying about the spending plan:<\/p>\n

Sen. Judy Schwank, a Wyomissing Democrat
\n\"StateState Sen. Judy Schwank<\/p>\n

Schwank, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said the Legislature was able to come together in a bipartisan manner to pass a budget that cuts taxes, invests in schools, supports seniors and promotes economic development.<\/p>\n

In a video posted online shortly after the spending plan was passed, the senator said she was pleased to support an additional $900 million for education, a $30 million investment in the Child Care Staff Retention and Recruitment Program and an increase in the reimbursement rate to nursing homes across the state.<\/p>\n

But there was one issue she highlighted as particularly important.<\/p>\n

Schwank said she was happy the budget provides a long-overdue cost of living adjustment for retired school, state and emergency response workers, noting that they had not received a pension boost since 2002.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey had been asking for a modest increase in their pensions,\u201d she said. \u201cThis year, finally, we were able to provide them with a cost-of-living increase. So I\u2019m very, very pleased about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, a Montgomery County Republican
\n\"StateState Sen. Tracy Pennycuick<\/p>\n

Pennycuick, who voted for the budget, said the budget respects taxpayers, expands educational opportunities and protects the most vulnerable citizens.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pleased to report that after many months of meetings, we were able to negotiate a more reasonable spending plan with no tax increases on Pennsylvania families or businesses,\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n

She said the budget protects the state\u2019s rainy day fund to hedge against any economic downturn in the future, helping stabilize the commonwealth\u2019s fiscal foundation with an estimated ending balance approaching $8 billion.<\/p>\n

Pennycuick said she\u2019s proud to report that her legislation to provide a much-deserved cost-of-living adjustment for police and firefighters is included in the budget.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe last time they received a COLA was more than two decades ago and every year since, inflation and rising costs have diminished the benefits they earned,\u201d she said. \u201cThese brave men and women have spent their careers putting their lives on the line to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe. It\u2019s time we acknowledge their contribution to our society.\u201d<\/p>\n

She touted that significant new funding is devoted to basic education, with substantial resources dedicated to the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, school facility improvements and Pre-K Counts Program.<\/p>\n

\u201cImportantly, the budget also maintains funding to empower parents and families to ensure students can learn in the environment that best meets their individualized educational needs providing available tax credits at $680 million for the highly successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit program,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

The budget also increases funding for special education, early intervention services and career and technical education.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe this budget reflects the value of working together in a divided government,\u201d she said. \u201cIt delivers meaningful victories for Pennsylvania families while maintaining a responsible approach to our state\u2019s finances.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sen. Scott Martin, a Lancaster County Republican
\n\"StateState Sen. Scott Martin<\/p>\n

Martin, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, said the fiscally responsible state budget stands up for taxpayers, doesn\u2019t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families and supports affordability and job growth.<\/p>\n

Martin, who voted for the budget, said he\u2019s pleased the final agreement negotiated by Republicans in the Senate cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor\u2019s spending request and will not require any withdrawals from the Rainy Day Fund, setting the state on a more sustainable path and avoiding potential bond downgrades and higher debt costs.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoing into this year\u2019s budget negotiations, our top priorities were protecting our fiscal stability, setting up the state to avoid devastating tax increases on Pennsylvania families and positioning our commonwealth for growth,\u201d Martin said. \u201cSenate Republicans achieved all these goals in this budget.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe still certainly have work to do in the years ahead to maintain fiscal responsibility, but I am grateful we identified numerous improvements to the spending plan Gov. Shapiro presented in February so we can strengthen our economy with pro-growth policies that will build a stronger future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sen. Chris Gebhard, a Lebanon County Republican
\n\"StateState Sen. Chris Gebhard<\/p>\n

Gebhard, who voted for the budget, said that over the course of many months, Senate Republicans worked hard within the constraints of a divided government to create a responsible plan that protects taxpayers, prevents new tax hikes and safeguards the state\u2019s financial future.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last two years, Senate Republicans have taken action to safeguard taxpayer funds by reclaiming $4.5 billion from prior-year budgets, lapsed funds and other accounts, ensuring this money can be utilized to support state government programs instead of sitting idle in government accounts,\u201d he said in a statement.<\/p>\n

He said Senate Republicans have also identified and cut more than a billion dollars in overspending proposed in the Department of Human Services over two years, and more than $100 million in unnecessary spending in the Department of Corrections.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Senate\u2019s operating lines were flat funded and nearly half of government agency line items were either level funded or reduced.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gebhard highlighted a $10 million increase in career and technical education funding and $10 million in new funding for Grow PA, a program that provides grants to students who pursue training for careers in high-demand industries and agree to live and work in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

He also touted rate increases for long-term health care providers, additional funding for nursing homes, $10 million for fruit growers who experienced crop losses after the historic spring freeze and an additional $12 million for rape crisis centers.<\/p>\n

Sen. Katie Muth, a Chester County Democrat
\n\"StateState Sen. Katie Muth<\/p>\n

Muth said that while she could not vote for the spending plan, there were some items that she supported.<\/p>\n

She said there were two provisions included in the legislation that she fought for over multiple legislative sessions, and she\u2019s grateful they finally crossed the finish line \u2014 the long-overdue cost-of-living adjustment for more than 55,000 retired public servants and increases to a program that gives first responders better access to funding they need for equipment and facilities.<\/p>\n

But, she said, she could not ignore what the bill failed to do.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt strips local governments of their ability to adopt stronger protections against food processing residuals being spread in their communities,\u201d she said. \u201cIt continues directing millions of taxpayer dollars toward preparing industrial sites for massive private development, including data centers, while doing nothing to establish meaningful health and environmental protections.<\/p>\n

\u201cPennsylvanians deserve more than policies negotiated behind closed doors and buried in a 195-page fiscal code bill,\u201d she continued. \u201cThey deserve transparency. They deserve local control. And they deserve a government that invests in protecting their health, homes, water and quality of life just as aggressively as it invests in attracting billion-dollar industries.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Eric Weaknecht, a Lower Heidelberg Township Republican
\n\"StateState Rep. Eric Weaknecht<\/p>\n

Weaknecht, who voted against the budget, issued this statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter reviewing the budget, I believe it contains some positive provisions, such as curbing drastic spending increases proposed by the governor and approved by House Democrats.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever, I feel the negatives outweigh the positives. There are significant concerns with the level of spending, the reliance on projected revenues and the lack of focus on several key priorities.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis budget also defers $1.2 billion in payments that were due this year and won\u2019t be paid until next year and fails to address the structural deficit that remains around $5 billion.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor those reasons, I voted no on the budget.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Manny Guzman, a Reading Democrat
\n\"StateState Rep. Manny Guzman<\/p>\n

Guzman, who supported the budget, issued this statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud to share that Pennsylvania\u2019s 2026-27 state budget has been approved and will deliver important investments for Reading and Berks County.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis budget invests in stronger public schools, affordable housing, tax relief for working families, public safety, mental health, job creation and access to healthcare, all without raising taxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere is still more work ahead, but I remain committed to fighting for the resources our communities deserve and delivering results.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Mark Gillen, a Robeson Township Republican
\n\"StateState Rep. Mark Gillen<\/p>\n

Gillen, who voted for the spending plan, issued this statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis budget season evolved from an unsustainable spending proposal to a finished product that preserves our commonwealth\u2019s $8 billion state savings account.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are millions of dollars in this budget that will specifically come back to Berks County for road and bridge repairs that I will be identifying with PennDOT.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fact that we were able to come to an agreement on no new taxes and a tax cut is significant. The education dollars going to our schools are robust and will help limit property tax increases until we can eventually put the issue of elimination before the voters via referendum.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe electorate has chosen a divided government in Pennsylvania, and while there are differences in budgeting approaches, there is little difference on issues such as helping frail elderly retired teachers, increasing investments in career and technical education and preserving school choice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe commonwealth still has much financial work to do on addressing our structural deficit. As a government, we must recommit to living within our means, just as our families in the community do every day.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur state Rainy Day Fund is earning hundreds of millions of dollars for us in interest each year. Spending that account down for one-time expenses is unwise, and I have resisted such efforts this year, and I will continue to do so.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Johanney Cepeda-Freytiz, a Reading Democrat
\n\"StateState Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz<\/p>\n

Cepeda-Freytiz, who voted for the budget, issued this statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cToday, I voted to pass a budget that will provide hundreds of millions in new funding to schools across our state.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition to major school funding increases for our district, this year\u2019s budget includes so much that will strengthen our communities and invest in our future \u2014 without raising taxes for working families.<\/p>\n

\u201cI voted \u2018yes\u2019 on a budget that will deliver for us right here in Berks County. Just some of the highlights include investments in STEM programs and career and technical education; putting nearly $200 million back in the pockets of working Pennsylvanians; funding to help make our communities and schools safer; over $120 million in school safety and mental health grants; and lowering our highest bills by investing in infrastructure and tackling energy costs.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis was about practical solutions that help families keep more of what they earn, support local businesses, and ensure Pennsylvania remains a great place to live, work and raise a family.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Jamie Barton, a Schuylkill County Republican
\n\"StateState Rep. Jamie Barton<\/p>\n

Barton, who supported the budget, issued this statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis agreement spends less than $51 billion, a $1.8 billion increase over last year\u2019s budget. While I still feel that spending is too high, it\u2019s at least a plan Pennsylvania can actually afford, unlike the governor\u2019s original proposal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe final product doesn\u2019t touch the rainy day fund, which the governor\u2019s proposal would\u2019ve raided to balance his excessive spending.<\/p>\n

\u201cThankfully, this budget corrected another major issue with the governor\u2019s plan, which was relying on projected revenue from the legalization of recreational marijuana. Aside from being federally illegal, we heard horror stories from other states saying much of the revenue brought in by legalization was canceled out by an increase in funding needed for Medicaid and mental health services.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat this budget does fund is important education initiatives. For example, it provides $10 million for career and technical centers to help address the pervasive waitlists we\u2019re seeing across the commonwealth. It also expands the GrowPA program, which offers funding to eligible students studying for in-demand careers. Grantees must commit to living and working in Pennsylvania post-graduation or the funds convert to a repayable loan.<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally, I\u2019m happy to see funding in this plan set aside for rural roads and bridge projects. Too often, too much of this kind of funding gets sent to the big cities, leaving rural Pennsylvanians, like us in Berks and Schuylkill counties, behind. That won\u2019t be the case with this round of funding.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I still believe the total amount of spending is too high, I think the targeted increases to education and infrastructure will help grow our economy and help erase the need for continual deficit spending.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, a Muhlenberg Township Democrat
\n\"StateState Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock<\/p>\n

Rusnock, who voted for the budget, issued this statement:<\/p>\n

\u201cPennsylvanians work hard, and still, the basic building blocks of a stable life are becoming harder to afford. Housing, groceries, utilities, childcare and health care are taking more from every paycheck.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe budget we passed today delivers on affordability, investments in education, safe communities and economic development opportunities to keep people, businesses and jobs in Pennsylvania \u2014 without raising taxes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis afternoon, I voted to give retired teachers, police officers and firefighters in Berks County a long-overdue raise and increase funding for the Antietam, Exeter, Muhlenberg and Reading schools districts. We\u2019re also directing funding towards the massively popular Student Teacher Stipend program to make sure the next generation of educators can afford to get trained.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis budget is a blueprint for a stronger, fairer and more affordable Pennsylvania and I was proud to vote in favor of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reps. David Maloney and David Zimmerman did not immediately issue statements regarding their votes against the state budget.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Pennsylvania has a new budget. Sunday afternoon \u2014 almost two weeks after its June 30 due date \u2014…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":242316,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[349,182,139,28,128,130,129,706],"class_list":["post-242315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-reading","tag-berks-county","tag-local-news","tag-news","tag-pennsylvania","tag-reading-city","tag-reading-city-headlines","tag-reading-city-news","tag-top-stories-reg"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=242315"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/242315\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/242316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=242315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=242315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=242315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}