House Majority Policy Committee helps shape 2026/27 state budget
Committee hosted hearings on several issues addressed in this year’s spending plan
Rep. Ryan Bizzarro July 14, 2026 | 9:17 AM
HARRISBURG, July 14 – For more than two months of legislative workdays this session, the House Majority Policy Committee traveled across the commonwealth to host hearings and roundtable discussions on the issues that matter most to Pennsylvanians. With the signing of the 2026-27 state budget this week, Chairman Ryan Bizzarro (D-Erie) is highlighting how the committee’s work helped shape the commonwealth’s spending plan.
“When we’re not in session, we spend our days visiting every corner of the commonwealth to hear directly from Pennsylvanians about the challenges they face every day. We bring those conversations back to Harrisburg and work with the General Assembly to develop policies that can create real, meaningful change,” Bizzarro said. “This year’s budget reflects the thoughtful discussions we’ve had throughout the session and delivers investments that will make a real difference for working families across Pennsylvania.”
Delivering for Working Families
Affordability emerged as one of the most pressing issues this session, with the House Majority Policy Committee hosting several roundtables and hearings focused on the housing shortage, rising utility bills, and prescription medication costs. Many Pennsylvanians are feeling the weight of an increasingly unaffordable economy. In response, House Democrats passed a budget including a nearly $200 million Working Pennsylvania Tax Credit, putting money back into the pockets of nearly 950,000 working families. The budget also includes efforts to cap energy price spikes and strengthen consumer protections.
Growing Pennsylvania’s Economy
Throughout this legislative session, the committee hosted roundtable discussions and walking tours in communities across Pennsylvania to examine how economic development and downtown revitalization strengthen local economies and create opportunities. The 2026-27 budget builds on those conversations with significant investments to help small businesses grow, revitalize Main Streets, and create jobs. Those investments include an additional $20 million for the Main Street Matters program, along with expanded support for industrial site redevelopment.
Keeping Pennsylvania Competitive
The committee also held hearings on strengthening Pennsylvania’s life sciences industry and expanding job opportunities in rural communities—both key priorities for keeping the commonwealth competitive in a rapidly changing economy. This year’s budget supports those efforts by providing funding through the Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit program. It also authorizes the sale of up to $125 million in tax credits to generate new investment in biotechnology and life sciences, helping Pennsylvania compete with neighboring states for jobs and innovation.
Protecting Taxpayer Dollars
In May, the committee examined how Pennsylvania safeguards taxpayer dollars and ensures public resources are reaching the people who need them most. Testimony highlighted that Pennsylvania is a national leader in preventing public benefit fraud. The 2026-27 budget builds on that success by continuing investments in government efficiency, modernizing technology systems, and making smarter use of state resources. It also funds the transition to chip-enabled EBT cards, reducing theft and helping families reliably access the food assistance they depend on.
Continuing Access to Care
Pennsylvania’s health care system is facing growing strain, putting the future of many community hospitals at risk. Coupled with cuts to Medicaid at the federal level, the committee explored how further hospital closures could leave more workers uninsured and without access to care. Despite the federal cuts, this year’s state budget filled all the gaps so there are no actual cuts to Pennsylvania this year. That’s not only big for sick people, but also for the hospitals struggling to keep their doors open.
“This budget demonstrates what’s possible when we listen first, bring people together, and turn good ideas into meaningful action,” Bizzarro said. “The conversations we held across Pennsylvania directly informed many of these investments, and we’ll continue traveling the commonwealth to ensure future policies reflect the needs of the people we serve.”
The House Majority Policy Committee has held 71 hearings this legislative session, with dozens more planned throughout the summer and fall.
Information about this hearing and other House Democratic Policy Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/policy.