On April 14, the state House of Representatives got an early start on the state budget process by adopting Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 spending plan, which reflects the governor’s remarkably strong commitment to public education.
Most importantly, House Bill 2400 continues a multi-year effort to meet a state constitutional obligation to achieve funding adequacy for our most underfunded public schools.
The budget includes an overall increase of nearly $700 million in key funding for public schools, including:
- A $565 million increase for adequacy and tax equity payments
- A $50 million increase through the Basic Education Funding formula
- A $50 million increase through the Special Education Funding formula
- A $14 million increase for career and technical education
- A $14.3 million increase to maintain the universal school breakfast program
- Continued funding for School Facilities and School Safety/Mental Health grants
- Continued investment in community colleges and higher education
- A $5 million increase for student teacher stipends, bringing total funding to $35 million for FY 2026-27
The bill is now before the state Senate.
“The state budget adopted today reflects a remarkable commitment to K-12 public education in Pennsylvania,” PSEA President Aaron Chapin said. “It invests in our public schools and removes barriers. This will help our students reach their full potential."
“We thank the House for getting the budget process started early after last year’s protracted budget impasse impacting our public schools, pre-K providers, students, and communities across the state. With today’s vote, House lawmakers are showing that they, like Gov. Shapiro, want to get a budget passed in a timely manner this year.”
