We Have a Budget!

Rep. Liz Hanbidge July 17, 2026 | 1:04 PM

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After weeks of negotiations beyond the June 30 deadline, Pennsylvania finally has a budget! On Sunday, July 12, Governor Shapiro signed the 2026-27 state budget into law.

One unexpected part of this year's process for me was that my House Bill 1505 became the legislative vehicle for the School Code. This is a common practice during budget negotiations. Rather than starting over with a new bill, legislative leaders often amend a noncontroversial bill that has already advanced through one chamber, allowing the final negotiated package to move more efficiently through the legislative process. This is similar to what happened to my bill that created a tax credit program for employers who cover the cost of employee’s childcare. It became law through the 2024 fiscal code bill.

Originally, HB 1505 was a short bill to ensure that the Pre-K Counts classrooms operated by intermediate units would not be forced to close if federal Head Start funding lapsed, protecting educational opportunities for approximately 2,500 Pennsylvania children. By the end of the budget process, it had become the comprehensive School Code bill, incorporating dozens of bipartisan education proposals from members of both parties.

The legislation makes major investments in Pennsylvania's students and schools, including:

$565 million for the third installment of adequacy and tax-equity funding, guaranteeing every school district at least a $50,000 increase.

$58 million in additional Basic Education Funding.

$55 million in additional Special Education Funding, including $5 million dedicated to extraordinary special education costs in brick-and-mortar charter schools.

$100 million for School Safety and Mental Health Grants for public schools.

$20.7 million in targeted school safety grants for nonpublic schools.

$10 million more for Career and Technical Education programs.

Nearly $5 million in additional funding for Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs.

$41 million more for Early Intervention services for children ages 3-5.

$125 million for the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program.

$10 million through the State-Related University Performance Fund.

Continued state funding for public libraries and community colleges.

The School Code also incorporates dozens of bipartisan proposals from legislators across Pennsylvania that will strengthen our schools and improve student safety and success. Highlights include:

Strengthening bullying prevention through Rep. Jennifer O'Mara's legislation (HB 830), requiring schools to promptly notify parents when bullying is confirmed, expanding staff training on suicide prevention and cyberbullying, and addressing AI-related misconduct.

Teaching students to navigate social media responsibly through Rep. Jim Prokopiak's legislation (HB 2176), which establishes social media literacy standards to help students understand the mental health and academic impacts of social media and mobile device use.

Guaranteeing daily recess for elementary school students through Rep. Danielle Friel Otten's legislation (HB 2217).

Protecting student privacy during health screenings through Rep. Otten's legislation (HB 681), ensuring Body Mass Index (BMI) screenings remain confidential and are conducted only by licensed health care professionals.

Creating Pennsylvania's first comprehensive inventory of public-school facilities through Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler's legislation (HB 1701), helping the Commonwealth better plan for school infrastructure needs.

Improving emergency preparedness in our schools through Rep. Ben Sanchez's legislation (HB 2438), establishing statewide standards for school mapping technology so first responders have accurate building information during emergencies.

Requiring regular wellness checks for students learning virtually through Rep. Peter Schweyer's legislation (HB 2602), helping schools identify and support students who might need assistance.

Expanding opportunities for Career and Technical Education students through legislation sponsored by Rep. Aerion Abney (HB 2552) and Sen. Lindsey Williams (SB 366), allowing students to earn industry credentials sooner and begin hands-on work experiences earlier.

Studying Pennsylvania's standardized testing system through Rep. Gina Curry's legislation (HB 1752), including whether the SAT or ACT could eventually replace the Keystone Exams.

In response to the Commonwealth Court’s decision that Pennsylvania was not meeting its constitutional obligation to provide a thorough and efficient system of public education, the General Assembly has made historic investments in our public schools.

Over the past four years, increased discretionary funding for Basic Education, Special Education Funding, and Ready to Learn Block Grants has resulted in significant new state support for our local schools. As a result, North Penn School District has received a 27.3% increase in state funding, while Wissahickon School District has received a 24% increase, helping ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.

While the budget process took longer than it should have, I am pleased we were able to deliver meaningful investments in public education while advancing bipartisan policies that improve student safety, support educators, expand opportunities for students, and strengthen schools throughout Pennsylvania. I look forward to updating you further in the weeks to come about the other aspects of the budget.

UPCOMING OFFICE EVENTS

Summer Open House

The summer heat is on, but we have the coolest invitation in town! Join my staff and me for our Summer Open House THIS SUNDAY, July 19 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. Come see how my office can support you, meet your neighbors, and help us make a difference by bringing non-perishable food for the Mattie N. Dixon Food Cupboard or new school supplies for the North Penn School District Educational Foundation.

License Plate Restoration Event

Missed us at our April license plate restoration event and need to replace your damaged plate? Join us on August 1 at the Lower Gwynedd Township building, and we will help you start the process to replace your plate!