HARRISBURG (WPVI) — Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his annual budget address on Tuesday, proposing a $53.2 billion spending plan.
Shapiro’s proposal includes more funding for education, including $565 million for schools that need it most.
Gov. Shapiro goes 1-on-1 with Action News after delivering budget proposal
He also said that $300 million for transit funding would come from transferring sales and tax revenue.
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During his address, the governor also discussed his administration’s expansion of public safety programs.
Shapiro says the violence intervention initiatives have contributed to a 42% decrease in gun violence across the commonwealth.
The governor also wants the minimum wage to be $15 an hour.
“Let’s come together and make smart investments in schools, in safety, in economic development,” he said during his address. “Let’s cut costs and cut taxes. Let’s protect our fundamental freedoms and let’s continue our rise.”
His budget does not call for any broad tax increase on state residents, but Shapiro says he wants to generate new tax revenue to cover his spending by legalizing recreational marijuana and regulating so-called skill games.
Both of those measures failed last year.
The governor will start meeting with legislative leaders on Wednesday in an effort to prevent a repeat of last year’s months-long budget impasse.
Republicans have voiced concerns about Shapiro’s spending levels.
Shapiro will be running for reelection this November.
To view the full proposed budget for 2026-2027, CLICK HERE.
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