McClinton lauds transformative investment in schools
State budget provides roadmap for strengthening PA communities.
Rep. Joanna E. McClinton July 12, 2024 | 2:12 PM
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Phila./Delaware, is applauding the $47.6 billion state budget that the legislature approved and Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Thursday.
“This budget responds to the issues that my neighbors talk about with me the most - quality schools for their kids and grandkids, safe communities to grow up and grow old in, and help for working families. This budget delivers on those and other issues in meaningful ways,” McClinton said.
McClinton said the bipartisan plan includes historic education funding, including a robust downpayment to level the playing field between Pennsylvania’s wealthy and chronically underfunded districts -- including Philadelphia and William Penn School District in Delaware County.
Under the plan, Philadelphia will receive an additional $231.9 million this year, which includes $136.7 million in a new adequacy subsidy. William Penn will receive an additional $7 million, including more than $3 million for adequacy.
It also includes provisions to attract and welcome more qualified teachers to commonwealth classrooms. There is also funding to fix ailing school buildings, for mental health and physical safety, and a new program to supply menstrual products in schools.
“I’m proud of this investment in education, but it is just the start, not the end, of our commitment to equitably funding our schools,” McClinton said.
The legislative leader also outlined some of the significant investments in public safety and community development, including an increase for Violence Intervention and Prevention grants to fund more community programs to stem violence and $5 million for the Philadelphia Crime Lab to give law enforcement the tools they need to keep neighborhoods safe. There is also funding for the Main Streets Matters program to bolster downtowns, Main Streets, and their surrounding neighborhoods.
Finally, the budget will keep Pennsylvania’s working families in their homes by directing funds to counties to provide rental assistance and prevent evictions. It helps them pay for childcare by providing tax incentives for businesses that contribute to employees’ childcare costs. And it improves access to health care -- from maternity to mental health. It helps Pennsylvanians get to work, school and around the community by investing in public transit.
More information on the 2024/25 state budget is available on the PA House Appropriations website.