Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

Philadelphia House Delegation supports Shapiro budget proposal

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    February 3, 2026 | 4:54 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – The Philadelphia House Delegation offered their support for the 2026-27 state budget proposed today by Gov. Josh Shapiro. Chairwoman Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., said the proposal is a great starting point that would deliver for all Philadelphians.

“This budget is a solid plan for moving our city and state forward. Budgets are moral documents, and this proposal delivers on the promise to invest wisely and strengthen our economy,” she said. “Targeted investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure, while addressing the housing crisis and affordability issues, all while not raising any taxes, is an agenda that will continue to improve quality of life for all Philadelphians.

“Our number one priority remains a solution for sustainable funding for mass transit. The governor bought us time for SEPTA with a shift in capital funds, but that remains a short-term solution at the cost of maintenance, repairs, and capital investments. Our work on finding an agreement with the Senate Republicans continues, as the governor proposes once again to shift revenue from Sales and Use Tax to mass transportation projects across the state to grow our economy and keep Pennsylvania moving.

“As the School District of Philadelphia looks to close and consolidate several schools across the city, one thing that we can do at the state level is support the continued $125 million in the school facilities fund to repair and remediate school buildings and resources.

“And let’s make this the year that we finally raise the minimum wage! Philadelphians’ wages have been stagnant as costs continue to rise. This is not just about teenagers flipping burgers. Raising the minimum wage will uplift our economy and provide people a living wage to pay the bills and put food on the table -- not having to choose one or the other.”

Shapiro proposed a $53.3 billion balanced budget to invest in Pennsylvania. That proposal will now go through several weeks of hearings by both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees with state agencies to fine tune the plan into legislation to be approved by the General Assembly by the start of the fiscal year on July 1.