HARRISBURG – Senate Appropriations Committee members highlighted concerns about potential cuts to cyber charter schools, unfilled seats for pre-K programs, and ways to boost student achievement statewide during a budget hearing with the Department of Education today.
The governor’s $53.3 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 would increase spending by $2.7 billion, 5.4% more than the current budget.
Department of Education
Gov. Shapiro is proposing nearly $19.4 billion in funding for the Department of Education, an increase of $914 million, or nearly 5 percent, over the current year. The Department of Education is the second-highest spending agency in state government. The largest proposed increase for the Department is for the Ready To Learn Block Grant program, which would rise by $565 million, a 40% increase.
Senator Martin on the benefits of universal FAFSA, the incredible success of Grow PA, concerns about paying for unfilled pre-K seats, whether the state will be able to recoup funds for vacant pre-K seats, how providers are being held accountable, cyber charter funding, and more
Video Highlights
Delays and inefficiencies of the State Board of Higher Education were highlighted.
The Shapiro administration was strongly encouraged to opt in to receive funding from the federal government to expand school choice options for students and families.
Ideas were discussed about how Pennsylvania can emulate strategies followed in other states that have improved student achievement.
300 school districts are projected to receive 95 percent of the new funding under Gov. Shapiro’s education plan, while the remaining 200 school districts are only set to receive 5 percent.
There was a discussion about how best to fund career and technical education programs that are seeing massive increases in enrollment.
Concerns were shared about the massive increases in school district reserves in recent years, even as property taxes continue to rise.
Ways to address Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage were discussed.
Concerns regarding transparency surrounding the Reading Leadership Council were shared.
You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.
CONTACT: Jason Thompson