Williams votes for state budget that supports Pennsylvanians without raising taxes
Rep. Dan Williams July 12, 2026 | 3:50 PM
HARRISBURG, July 12 – Pennsylvania House Human Services Committee Chair Dan Williams, D-Chester, today applauded the state budget approved for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 fiscal year. The budget invests over $50 billion for commonwealth residents, services and operations with no tax increases.
“Crafting a state budget is an integral part of our job in Harrisburg,” said Williams. “The investments that we’ve agreed to today align with the priorities of our communities and deliver for everyday people in Chester County.”
The budget includes a 9.1% increase in funding for Coatesville Area School District, a 2.7% increase in funding for Twin Valley School District, and a 1.1% increase in funding for Octorara Area School District. Additionally, the budget fully funds Pennsylvania’s Student Teacher Stipend program with a $40 million appropriation to make sure the next generation of educators can afford training.
It also includes funding and a requirement for the Department of Human Services to upgrade EBT cards with chip technology to help prevent benefits from being stolen, as outlined in H.B. 2540.
Additionally, it provides funding for additional waiver slots in the Intellectual Disabilities Community Waiver Program, connects incarcerated individuals experiencing substance use disorder with treatment and recovery services prior to release through the Medicaid reentry program to help reduce recidivism and improve continuity of care, and increases funding for mental health services, including the 988 crisis line and crisis stabilization walk-in centers.
“Together, the initiatives in this year’s budget represent a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians,” said Williams. “Workers benefit from better pay and tax relief. Students benefit from stronger schools and more opportunities. Families benefit because we protected critical services -- from better access to health care, safer communities and more affordable living. Most importantly, we advanced affordability without raising taxes.
“Ultimately, this budget is a blueprint for a stronger, fairer and more affordable Pennsylvania, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor of it.”