Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians

Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes praises bipartisan state budget's investments in education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, and working Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 17, 2026 | 4:26 PM

State Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, celebrated the passage of Pennsylvania's bipartisan 2026-27 state budget, highlighting its investments in public education, healthcare and maternal healthcare, public safety and working families.

"Our students deserve access to a high-quality public education," Mayes said. "This budget continues our commitment to investing in students and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed."

The budget makes a $670 million statewide investment in public education, including a $58 million increase in Basic Education Funding, $100 million for security and mental health, and a $47 million increase in Special Education Funding.

Mayes said schools throughout the 24th Legislative District will benefit from increased state support, including a $1.3 million increase to Pittsburgh Public Schools.

Mayes also praised the budget's significant investments in healthcare, including:

  • $615.2 million increase for the Medical Assistance managed care program.
  • $484.7 million increase for Medical Assistance Capitation.
  • $130.5 million increase for Medical Assistance Community HealthChoices.
  • $5.6 million increase for the Children's Health Insurance Program.
  • $41.2 million increase for mental health services.

"At a time when devastating federal cuts to Medicaid are threatening healthcare access across the country, this budget protects coverage for Pennsylvanians by maintaining our commitment to Medicaid funding," Mayes said. "These investments ensure that children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families can continue to access the care they need. Healthcare is a human right, and Pennsylvania is demonstrating that we will continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities even in the face of federal funding cuts."

Additionally, the following investments have been made in maternal healthcare access to address race-based maternal health disparities:

  • $5,239,000 for Black Maternal Health Programs
  • $7,329,000 for Newborn Screening
  • $1,447,000 for Maternal and Child Health
  • $10,682,000 for Medical Assistance – Obstetrics/Neonatal Services
  • $13,889,000 for the Nurse-Family Partnership

"Access to quality healthcare is fundamental and we have made the greatest investment in Black and maternal health in our Commonwealth’s history at $38.6 million," Mayes said. "These state dollars strengthen our healthcare system and expand access to care to ensure more Pennsylvanians can receive the physical and behavioral health services they need."

Additional notable investments included in the budget:

  • $7 million for SNAP/EBT chip cards to reduce theft and fraud.
  • Expansion of the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program to $62.2 million.
  • A 35.8% increase in statewide enforcement efforts targeting human trafficking and child predators.
  • $3.75 million for Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance.
  • The first cost-of-living adjustment in 25 years for nearly 60,000 retired educators who retired before 2002.
  • $24 million to rape crisis centers, a $12 million increase, doubling the investments made last year.
  • $200 million for the Pennsylvania Working Families Tax Credit.
  • $30 million for the Child Care Recruitment and Retention Program. Eligible childcare workers will see a grant increase up to $540.
  • The student teacher stipend program received an increase based on a projected need of $40 million.

"This budget reflects our values by investing in people and working families," Mayes said. "From stronger public schools and expanded healthcare to safer communities and greater support for working families, these investments move Pennsylvania toward a healthier, more equitable future where every person has the opportunity to succeed.”

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CONTACT: Molly Peters
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: mpeters@pahouse.net