Cephas encouraged by enactment of state budget
Includes integral investments for working Philadelphians & families
Rep. Morgan B. Cephas November 12, 2025 | 5:59 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., expressed gratitude that a state budget has been approved for Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 fiscal year. The budget invests over $50 billion for commonwealth residents, services and operations with no tax increases.
Cephas said that the spending plan is a responsible plan and there is much to be happy about in this budget for Philadelphians.
“Crafting a state budget is an integral part of our job in Harrisburg and the investments that we’ve agreed to today align with the priorities of our communities and deliver for everyday Philadelphians,” Cephas said.
“We’re building an equitable education for our kids with a 10.1% increase in funding for the School District of Philadelphia, as well as $125 million for school facility improvements with specific funding for Solar for Schools. That means lower bills for schools and more remediation of toxic buildings. The $50 million increase for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program for targeted scholarships for students attending economically disadvantaged schools is a benefit for many of our Philadelphia families.
“As we continue to find ways to help our neighbors with food insecurity, this budget provides over $40 million for food access, including a 271% increase for Farmers Market Coupons. Those produce vouchers have been a lifeline to fresh groceries for many of our seniors and families in West Philadelphia so I’m excited to see such a major investment to continue this program.
“Retaining our workforce in childcare has been a challenge, so I’m glad that Governor Shapiro’s new Child Care Retention and Recruitment initiative will receive $25 million to support the retention and recruitment of childcare workers.
“This budget helps our working families with rising costs and affordability, invests in public safety and education, creates opportunity, and continues to develop our state as an economic leader in this nation.
”Our work is not done, and due to the delayed enactment of this budget, our fight resumes in earnest for a long-term solution for SEPTA funding, a $15 minimum wage for hardworking Pennsylvanians, the search for new revenue streams to stabilize our future, while ensuring an equitable and quality education for our students.”
Shapiro signed the $50.09 billion spending plan in the Capitol Wednesday afternoon, and it takes effect immediately.
The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street including Overbrook, Overbrook Park, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more.
