Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

Rep. Robert F. Matzie    February 3, 2026 | 3:39 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – State Rep. Rob Matzie issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address today:

“The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes.

“To continue leveling the playing field for all public school students – regardless of ZIP code – the new budget would invest more than $500 million in additional equity funding that will provide block grants to historically underfunded districts. The new plan would also increase funding for basic and special education by $50 million each. Our Beaver County schools would see across-the-board increases to help our students thrive.

“To strengthen our workforce and create more jobs, the plan would increase funding for career and technical education and vocational rehabilitation, childcare recruitment and retention, and teacher professional development and stipends.

“Housing costs take the largest chunk out of a family’s budget, so having access to safe, affordable housing is key to financial stability. To increase the availability of affordable housing, the proposed budget would create a $1 billion critical infrastructure fund that would issue bonds for new housing and infrastructure projects.

“The proposed plan would also continue investments in programs such as the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, to help put more money back into people’s pockets, and it would enact the Lightning Plan, to lower energy prices.

“To be sure, no spending plan is perfect, and any budget requires balancing competing needs. But the proposed budget promises to keep us moving in the right direction because it invests in our greatest resource – our people – and adds no new taxes. To me, that’s a solid bet.”