Pennsylvania wrapped up a major budget milestone this week after months of waiting. Governor Josh Shapiro signed the 2025-26 state budget into law on November 12th, ending a four-month impasse and delivering significant investments across education and tax relief. The budget invests over 900 million dollars in public schools, special education, and school infrastructure while establishing a new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit that delivers 193 million dollars in relief to families across the Commonwealth.
The education investments include 565 million dollars in adequacy funding for underfunded school districts, a 40 million dollar increase for special education, and 125 million dollars for school infrastructure improvements. The budget also includes sweeping reforms to Pennsylvania's cyber charter school law, which is expected to save public schools an estimated 178 million dollars this year by redefining how cyber schools are funded and improving student safety requirements.
New teacher certification reforms make it easier for educators to enter the profession. Teachers can now pursue certifications to teach grades Pre-K through 12 rather than narrower grade bands, and the state has reduced certification fees and created new pathways for career and technical education instructors to demonstrate their qualifications without expensive testing.
On the federal front, Pennsylvania resumed full SNAP benefits this week after the government shutdown ended. The Department of Human Services issued more than 276 million dollars in food assistance on November 13th alone, ensuring that families received their delayed November payments.
The state also moved forward with economic development initiatives. As of November 12th, the budget eliminated Pennsylvania's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, removing a potential billion-dollar electricity tax on residents and businesses. Meanwhile, the Solar for Schools program received renewed funding with 25 million dollars allocated for renewable energy projects in schools.
Weather brought some challenges early in the week, with severe thunderstorms hitting the Commonwealth on November 15th, bringing gusty winds up to 50 miles per hour and prompting tornado warnings in Washington and Greene Counties. Light snow fell across Central Pennsylvania, creating hazardous travel conditions in some areas.
Looking ahead, listeners should watch for implementation of the new education policies and teacher certification changes as schools begin the spring semester. The state legislature will continue working on performance-based funding formulas for state-related universities, and communities will begin applying for Solar for Schools grants.
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