Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care

Conklin votes for 2025-26 state budget plan, citing strong investments for Pennsylvania public schools, health care

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    November 12, 2025 | 3:53 PM

HARRISBURG, Nov. 12 – State Rep. Scott Conklin cast a “yes” vote for the state’s $50.1 billion spending plan, which has cleared the General Assembly and is on its way to the governor’s desk.

“Although my House colleagues and I were frustrated by the Senate’s failure to come to the table and vote on the budget bills we sent earlier this year, I am encouraged that we are finally moving forward with a solid agreement. The new budget delivers for our students, funds essential programs and services for residents, and will get critical dollars flowing to our schools, counties and municipalities – all without raising taxes.”

Conklin said the new spending plan includes a $105 million increase for Basic Education and a nearly $40 million increase for Special Education statewide. District 77 schools will see the following increases in Basic and Special Education funding:

  • Bald Eagle Area School District: $80,273 increase (0.8%) in Basic Education funding and $35,789 increase (2.2%) in Special Education funding.
  • Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District: $136,556 increase (1.0%) in Basic Education funding and $59,289 increase (3.2%) in Special Education funding.
  • State College Area School District: $249,978 increase (1.8%) in Basic Education funding and $59,409 increase (1.6%) in Special Education funding.
  • Tyrone Area School District: $49,539 increase (0.5%) in Basic Education funding and a $9,912 increase (0.6%) in Special Education funding.

“To continue leveling the playing field for students in less-affluent ZIP codes, the new budget adds $565 million in adequacy and tax equity payments, which will deliver an estimated $600,000 in block grant funding to Tyrone Area School District and nearly $300,000 to Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District.” 

Conklin said the budget also delivers $178 million to schools statewide from cyber charter reform funding; $125 million for school facilities, with at least $25 million reserved for the Solar for Schools Program he helped pass; $100 million for school safety and mental health grants; and a $28.5 million increase for early intervention. 

In terms of higher education, Conklin said that the new budget:
 

  • Maintains the PHEAA $5,750 maximum state grant amount.
  • Maintains student teacher stipend at $30 million.
  • Maintains funding for PSSHE and community colleges.
  • Maintains funding for Penn State and Pitt.
  • Provides $57.5 million between (over two budge cycles) for Grow PA scholarships.

Beyond education, Conklin said the budget will deliver $2 billion to repair and improve roads and bridges; a $747 million increase for Medical Assistance Managed Care, to ensure residents in traditionally underserved, rural communities have access to health care; a $150 million increase to help Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities; $40 million more to feed residents and support family farms; $25 million for child care recruitment and retention; $10 million to continue agricultural innovation grants; and a $470,000 increase to support the state’s domestic violence program.

“No budget is perfect, but the plan we sent to the governor today will deliver critical resources at a critical time, without adding any new taxes or tapping into the state’s Rainy Day Fund reserves. With a focus on ensuring residents have the resources they need to thrive, I believe it’s a plan that will move us in the right direction.”