In my last email, I shared how this year's state budget invests in families, health care, seniors, and human services. Today, I want to talk about another question I often hear:
"How does this budget make our communities stronger?"
A strong community is one where people can find good jobs, businesses can grow, first responders have the resources they need, and families feel safe. That's exactly what many of this year's investments are designed to accomplish.
Building our Economy
Building a stronger economy means investing in workers, supporting local businesses, and making Pennsylvania a place where employers want to grow.
This year's budget invests $10 million to expand Career and Technical Education programs, giving more students the opportunity to graduate with the skills employers need today. It also includes $3.5 million for Pennsylvania's Schools-to-Work program, expanding registered pre-apprenticeships that connect students directly to careers in the skilled trades.
To strengthen Pennsylvania's long-term economic competitiveness, the budget launches Innovate in PA 2.0, an initiative that will generate up to $125 million to grow our biotechnology and life sciences sector. The program will provide venture capital for early-stage companies, support clinical trials, help commercialize research at Pennsylvania universities, develop executive leadership, expand the innovation workforce, and seed regional venture studios, including in rural communities.
The budget also increases support for entrepreneurs and small businesses, investing $23.7 million in historically disadvantaged businesses, an increase of $3.75 million over last year, to help more Pennsylvanians start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
Recognizing that businesses need government to work efficiently, the budget includes targeted investments to modernize and streamline state permitting while maintaining strong environmental protections and public accountability.
The budget provides a one-time $775 million investment for local roads and bridges, accelerating long-planned transportation projects, improving safety, and supporting economic development in communities across the Commonwealth.
Supporting Agriculture
Agriculture isn't just part of Pennsylvania's heritage; it's one of the Commonwealth's largest economic engines. More than 48,000 farms contribute over $130 billion to Pennsylvania's economy each year and support nearly 600,000 jobs. Farmers are struggling this year more than ever before, and they are facing a drastic and costly shortage of fertilizer because of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
This spring, many of Pennsylvania's fruit growers experienced one of the most devastating freeze events in recent memory which destroyed nearly an entire season's crop. For many family farms, that meant losing a year's income while still facing the costs of maintaining their orchards, paying workers, and preparing for next season. To help them, the budget creates a $10 million Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant Program to help fruit growers recover from these unprecedented losses.
The budget also recognizes that supporting agriculture means investing beyond today's challenges. It continues $10 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, fully funds the Pennsylvania Farm Bill, and supports programs that help farmers modernize their operations, strengthen food security, encourage innovation, and build the next generation of Pennsylvania agriculture.
I am pleased this budget recognizes that strong farms mean strong local economies, a more secure food supply, and thriving communities.
Building Safer Communities
Keeping our communities safe is one of government's most important responsibilities, and this budget continues making strategic investments in prevention, law enforcement, and victim services.
The budget provides $62.15 million for Violence Intervention and Prevention programs that help stop crime before it happens. Over the past four state budgets, Pennsylvania has invested more than $220 million in these evidence-based programs, which support local organizations working to reduce gun violence and make neighborhoods safer.
To protect communities from hate-motivated violence, the budget includes $10 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, bringing total investments in the program to $35 million over the last four budgets. These grants help faith-based organizations and other nonprofits strengthen security and protect those they serve.
The budget also strengthens public safety by investing $16.23 million to train 480 new Pennsylvania State Police cadets across four new academy classes, ensuring departments have the personnel needed to keep our communities safe.
For crime survivors, the budget transfers $4.5 million from the Medical Marijuana Program Fund to the Crime Victims Services and Compensation Fund, helping ensure victims of crime have continued access to counseling, advocacy, legal assistance, and other critical support services.
In addition, the budget increases the maximum loan amounts available to volunteer fire companies and EMS agencies, helping first responders purchase equipment, improve facilities, and continue providing lifesaving services to communities across Pennsylvania. It also provides additional resources to the Office of Attorney General to combat child exploitation, human trafficking, and internet crimes against children.
A Budget Built on Responsible Choices
This year's budget is balanced, makes no tax increases, and preserves our Rainy Day Fund while making meaningful investments in the priorities that strengthen our communities. From creating jobs and supporting farmers to improving public safety, repairing infrastructure, and investing in education and health care, this budget invests in our future and supports Pennsylvanians today.
No budget is ever perfect, and this one is no exception. There are important issues that remain unresolved and opportunities we missed. In my final budget email, I'll share where I believe we fell short, the priorities I fought for that didn't make it across the finish line, and the work that still lies ahead.