Harrisburg, Pa. – February 4, 2025 -Senator Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, chairman of the Democratic Club) today participated in the budget address of the governor Josh Shapiro and would like to share the following comments:
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to provide needs such as rent and foodstuffs, while maintaining the possibility of saving for a better future. The budget of the Governor Shapiro focuses on restoring more money to the pockets of working families, developing our economy and maintaining our communities in health and security. I heard from voters expressing their fears about the chaos in Washington, making our work at a state level more important than ever. I am ready to work on their behalf to provide a responsible budget. “
Economy and price accessibility
- “This budget priority treats new, high -paid work for Pennsylvania, strengthens vocational training to provide employees with these roles, and finances public transport so that they can reliably travel to work and work. The budget aims to reduce energy bills and tax accounts, increase innovation and expand our economy for all Pennsylvania. The governor’s plan also recognizes that without high -quality childcare of many parents, he cannot afford to re -enter their working force. And that without raising our shameful minimum wage and investing in all corners of our working force, our community will continue to lose employees to neighboring countries. “
Public education
- “Public schools are the spine of this community of nations, and our students, teachers and employees of the K-12 school deserve the highest quality of education and the work environment, regardless of the postal code. The proposed budget of the governor deals with problems that are at the top of the mind of our families, such as the Universal Free School Breakfast, teacher deficiencies, mental health support, school safety and much more. I am also excited that the governor called for the renewal of the financing of products of free periods for Pennsylvania students. “
Supporting aging Pennsylvania
- “Pennsylvania is home for one of the fastest growing populations in the country and it depends on us whether they have resources and support they need with dignity. Last year, our final budget was not short, leaving the necessary programs such as Aging, PA without proper financing. I am excited, seeing that the governor of Shapiro was still pushing PA forward and expresses the need for a budget that is coming for seniors and guardians who support them. As a democratic chairman of the Aging & Youth Committee committee, I am ready to get to work. “
Access to healthcare
- “As a nurse, I am glad that the efforts of the Governor Shapiro aimed at improving access to high quality, inexpensive healthcare. His plan would apply to personnel deficiencies by double the funds for the industry partnership program of my nursing. This would work to prevent the closing of a nursing home and hospitals by fighting the high presence of private equity companies that transform these healthcare systems into financial assets that are to be invaded instead of supporting suppliers who look after our family, friends and neighbors.
- “And due to the upcoming threats brought from the chaos in Washington, the governor called on the legislator to adopt the provisions that I presented with other Senate Democrats in order to prevent the key protection of the Act on inexpensive care for state law. Time to do it – because we do not return to days of life, denying existing conditions or throwing young people out of parents’ insurance before 26 years. We can do better. “
Follow the budget process in 2025–26 Senatorcollett.com/budget.
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