Cephas excited for proposed investments in Shapiro budget
Investments included for many priorities for Philadelphia
Philadelphia House Delegation February 5, 2025 | 1:09 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., offered the following statement following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s address for the 2025-26 proposed state budget.
“Budgets are a moral document, and the governor’s proposal wisely and effectively addresses the needs of our Philadelphia communities, as well as neighborhoods across rural, suburban and urban Pennsylvania.
“The governor’s commitment to ensuring an equitable public education for all students is clear as he proposed an increase of $18 million for basic and special education in the School District of Philadelphia. That’s in addition to $236 million to support safe and healthy school facilities in all Pennsylvania school districts, plus $25 million to early childhood education for our youngest learners.
“With the uncertainty of what’s happening in the federal government, it’s more important than ever that we invest in affordable health care and access to quality care. This budget proposes $46 million in mental and behavioral health. I’m especially glad to see a $40 million investment supporting hospitals, including $20 million more directed at increasing access and services at hospitals with half of that specifically for rural facilities across Pennsylvania. I’d also like to acknowledge the governor prioritizing an increase for access to postpartum mental health services for families.
“I’m happy to see the governor again call for a $15 minimum wage in our state. It’s beyond time to become competitive by offering a living wage for hardworking Pennsylvanians, as every one of our neighboring states has a higher minimum wage than our current $7.25. The House passed this legislation last session, and I hope the Senate will make this the year that we finally make it happen. It’s one of the most important investments we can make in our economy while developing and retaining our workforce.
“As chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, this budget is aligned with our priorities for the city. The $76 million aimed at violence intervention and prevention grants are a welcomed continuing investment as we’ve seen the success of community-led programs in the reduction of violent crime across our city.
“Access to affordable housing is a crisis in Philadelphia and so many other communities across the state. Gov. Shapiro acknowledges the need to increase safe and affordable housing by investing over $70 million for critical housing needs, including $50 million for counties to improve or maintain existing housing stock and $10 million in first-time homebuyer grants to help with closing costs. This would ensure that more families can have the security of a roof over their head while creating generational wealth through homeownership.
“Lastly and most urgently, the governor has reiterated his plan for a shift of nearly $300 million from the Sales and Use Tax to fund all modes of transportation and transportation infrastructure projects, including SEPTA. We are thankful for the one-time infusion of money by the governor in December to avoid draconian service cuts and fare increases, but a stable and recurring funding solution is necessary to keep our region moving with SEPTA and ensure dependable transportation projects across the state.
“There is much to be excited about in this budget proposal for our communities, for Philadelphia, and the state as a whole. I look forward to working with our leadership and my colleagues to develop these projects and good faith negotiations with our Senate colleagues and the administration.”
Cephas represents the 192nd legislative District and serves as the chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation, chair of the Subcommittee on Housing Finance in the House Commerce Committee, and co-chair of the Pa. Black Maternal Health Caucus.
The 192nd Legislative District comprises communities in West Philadelphia which are north and west of Market Street including Overbrook, Wynnefield, Carroll Park and more.