Conklin: Proposed budget boosts education, real-world needs
Rep. Scott Conklin February 5, 2025 | 2:42 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Scott Conklin issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget speech yesterday.
“The governor’s budget proposals would deliver some powerful investments, and ones I believe we need to keep us moving in the right direction,” Conklin said.
“The plan proposes investing more than a half-billion dollars into our schools and communities to continue our commitment to ensuring that students in less affluent ZIP codes get the same quality education as their peers in wealthier districts. The proposed budget also includes more than $100 million to ensure students have the mental health and safety resources they need to stay safe and thrive.
“I was especially pleased to see the proposal to continue the $25 million set-aside for the Solar for Schools program I helped pass. With energy bills representing some of the largest expenses our school districts face, the program is an important way to help districts cut costs while reducing harm to the environment. I urge all districts to apply once the next round of grants opens.
“To boost higher education, the proposed plan would keep last year’s scholarships in place and include a $60 million increase to fully fund the performance-based formula for Penn State, Pitt and Temple. It would also include a $40 million increase for PASSHE to continue keeping tuition flat.
“Beyond education, there are some sensible solutions to help address real-world needs, including the need for parents to find quality, affordable child care. The plan proposes investing $55 million to help child care centers recruit and retain quality staff.
“Our firefighters would benefit from a proposal to establish a new, competitive $30 million grant program – alongside the existing fire and EMS grant program – to better help departments purchase needed equipment and other resources.
“To be sure, no budget is perfect, but the right plan can guide us according to the right priorities. I believe the new proposed plan does that, by investing in resources and services our communities need – without adding any new taxes. I’m looking forward to negotiating the details with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the weeks ahead.”