Cepeda-Freytiz celebrates passage of state budget, calls for greater action moving forward
Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz July 14, 2026
HARRISBURG, July 14 – State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, chair of the PA Legislative Latino Caucus, celebrated the impact that the 2026-27 state budget will have on the district she represents in Berks County, all without raising taxes.
“We have achieved major wins that will help our neighbors here in Berks County and every community across Pennsylvania,” said Cepeda-Freytiz. “From education funding increases and requiring transparency around AI data centers to increasing affordable housing and putting money back in Pennsylvanians’ wallets, House Democrats delivered for all Pennsylvanians in this budget.”
This year’s budget will see $565 million invested into schools across the state, with districts in Cepeda-Freytiz’s community seeing the following budget increases compared to last year:
- Reading School District: $28.5 million (9.7% increase)
- Wilson School District: $2.2 million (9.7% increase)
- Wyomissing Area School District: $171,000 (3.6% increase)
Other key highlights from the budget include:
- Further investments in public education, school safety, special education, career training, higher education, career and technical education, STEM programs, and after school programs.
- Putting $200 million back in the pockets of working Pennsylvanians through the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
- Making sure everyone can afford to see a doctor when they get sick and improves care for our seniors.
- Making our neighborhoods safer by giving law enforcement better tools to solve violent crimes and protect every Pennsylvanian.
- Increasing affordable housing opportunities across the commonwealth.
- Delivering a Cost-Of-Living-Adjustment and retirement security for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants who have not received one for 25 years.
- Saving families money through tax relief and stronger consumer protections.
- Modernizing government programs to better serve Pennsylvanians while improving transparency and accountability.
“The investments we made this year are historic for our state, but can go so much farther. As this legislative term moves forward, I will continue using my position, both as a legislator and as chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus, to push my colleagues in the Senate and across the aisle to act more for working Pennsylvanians and our state’s most vulnerable communities.”