Pa. Gov. Shapiro plans $50 billion budget for schools, transit

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is set to propose a budget of approximately $51.5 billion for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, marking a significant increase aimed at addressing underfunded public schools and public transit. His proposal includes a $1.3 billion increase for K-12 education in response to a court ruling on funding inequities, alongside funding for higher education and human services. Shapiro also plans to advocate for the legalization of marijuana and impose taxes on skill games viewed as competition for casinos. Additionally, he seeks tax incentives to support new power plant construction and aims to prevent cuts to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, which is struggling with post-pandemic ridership. The budget will require bipartisan approval from the Democratic-controlled House and the Republican-controlled Senate. Shapiro's agenda reflects the pressures from education advocates and a challenging economic landscape characterized by rising costs and slow tax revenue growth.