February 20, 2026 – Senate Democratic Appropriations Chairman Senator Vincent Hughes (D-7) and Senator Nick Miller (D-14) joined Allentown School District Superintendent Dr. Carol D. Birks to highlight major investments in education and reaffirm Senate Democrats’ commitment to equitable school funding.
Last year’s budget allocated $526 million in matching allowances for school districts, marking the second straight year of progress following a Commonwealth Court ruling that found Pennsylvania’s school funding system unconstitutional.
Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 budget continues this momentum with significant investments:
- $8.3 billion for primary education (+$50 million in FY25-26)
- $1.9 billion for Ready to Learn, which includes a $526 million augment in adequacy funding
- $1.6 billion for special education (+$50 million in FY25-26)
- $75 million in annual savings from Cybersecurity Charter financing reform, bringing total Cybersecurity Charter savings to $250 million annually
- $35 million in scholarships for student teachers (+$5 million in FY25-26)
- $97 million to maintain universal free breakfast (+$14 million in FY25-26)
- $158 million for CTE programs (+$14 million from FY25-26)
“We are here to make sure people know that we must continue to fight,” said Senator Hughes, chairman of the Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee. “As one of the people in the budget negotiation room, I can tell you that those who do not believe in adequate and constitutional education funding have even tried at the last minute to remove court-ordered education funding. This is always at risk, which means we must continue to fight. We cannot give up on Pennsylvania public school students and providing them what they deserve.”
“Every child in Pennsylvania deserves an education that opens the door to a strong and prosperous future,” said Senator Miller. “That’s why I’ve helped make historic investments in education, especially investments that prioritize student safety, strengthen school infrastructure, and support long-term planning for our districts. Through my appointment to the Pennsylvania Crime and Delinquency Commission’s School Safety and Security Committee, I have advocated for more than $62 million for Violence Intervention and Prevention, $100 million in school safety and mental health grants, and a $125 million investment for the Budget program. for 2025-2026 to improve school infrastructure. These investments put money directly into classrooms and provide school districts with the stability they need to plan for the future. I am proud to join Appropriations Chairman Senator Hughes and Senate Democrats in keeping our commitment to fully funding public education across the Commonwealth.
“Today, thanks to state investments made possible by Governor Shapiro and our legislative delegation, we are not only stabilizing, but accelerating,” said Dr. Carol D. Birks. “The Allentown School District is committing every dollar to advancing our Lighting the Way strategic plan: The 2030 Plan for Innovation and Excellence. Like districts across Pennsylvania, we are grappling with rising mandatory costs and growing uncertainty at every level. That’s why continued state investment is not optional, it is essential. Not only to maintain the progress we’ve made, but to accelerate it, modernize our learning environments and provide our students with the opportunities they deserve.”
Downloadable photos and videos are available upon request.
For more information on PA Senate Democrats’ education priorities, visit pasenate.com/priorities/education/.
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