\t\t\t\t\t\u201cFirst of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and\u00a0dignified in every way.\u201d
\u2013 I Timothy 2:1,2 <\/p>\n
The Pennsylvania Legislature has approved the state budget. While the agreement includes important funding decisions, several issues affecting Pennsylvania families remain. Here\u2019s what you need to know.<\/p>\n
Education Funding Increases, School Choice Remains Limited<\/p>\n
The new state budget increases public education funding by $678 million, bringing total education spending to approximately $11.85 billion.<\/p>\n
While investing in education is important, many Pennsylvania families continue to seek greater accountability and expanded educational options. This remains especially important as enrollment declines in many areas despite increased public education funding.<\/p>\n
Thankfully, the final budget did not include proposed cuts to the successful \u00a0Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)<\/a> and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC)<\/a> programs. These initiatives help provide educational opportunities for students and families across Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n Action: The next step is urging Gov. Josh Shapiro to support Pennsylvania\u2019s participation in the new federal tax credit scholarship program\u2014an opportunity that could further expand educational options for students and families across the Commonwealth. Contact him today at: https:\/\/www.pa.gov\/form\/governor\/contact.html<\/a><\/p>\n Important Issues Still Remain <\/p>\n Again, thankfully, the final budget did not include several proposals that raised significant concerns, including recreational marijuana legalization. Other debated issues, such as minimum wage increases and regulations surrounding skill games, were also not included.<\/p>\n However, important issues affecting Pennsylvania families remain unresolved.<\/p>\n The fight to protect fairness in women\u2019s sports continues.\u00a0 Despite ongoing efforts to advance SB9<\/a>, \u00a0HB158<\/a>, and HB1849<\/a>, these bills have repeatedly faced procedural delays in the House, preventing them from receiving a full vote on their merits.<\/p>\n