Schlossberg supports budget with historic education investments
Rep. Mike Schlossberg July 11, 2024 | 6:02 PM
HARRISBURG, July 11 – As a result of effective negotiations and compromise, state Rep. Mike Schlossberg praised today’s passage of the 2024-25 budget in the PA House of Representatives.
“Today we took significant steps to move Pennsylvania further than ever in the pursuit of fair funding for Allentown and Parkland schools, increase resources for critically needed mental health care, create jobs, and ensure our communities are competitive in the global market,” said Schlossberg.
Senate concurrence is required before the measure is presented to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature.
For the Parkland School District, the 2024-25 budget includes an increase of $2.4 million over last year. With ongoing adjustments for fair funding, the Allentown School District sees an increase of $35.9 million over 2023-24.
“This is record funding for our local school districts – and it is desperately needed. Students, families and taxpayers in Parkland and Allentown all benefit tremendously from this budget,” said Schlossberg. “The strength of our schools makes our region a great place to raise a family, live, do business, and be proud to call home.”
The budget also contains two additional Schlossberg initiatives: the “Grow Your Own Educator” program that is designed to recruit and retain teachers from within the communities they will teach and serve; as well as a $20 million increase toward county-based mental health resources. Since arriving in Harrisburg, Schlossberg has been a strong advocate for increased funding for mental health initiatives statewide, including through counties and schools.
It also includes $11.5 million for BOOST, which will support after-school programs.
“No budget is perfect,” noted Schlossberg. “When there is divided government, leaders have to find common ground and negotiate to a final deal that makes enough people happy to support the final budget. We have done exactly that, and Pennsylvanians should expect nothing less.”