HARRISBURG, PA — Thursday evening, state Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester/Montgomery, voted in favor of the state budget, applauding its historic investments in schools.
This budget increases education funding by almost $750 million ($525 million in Basic Education Funding and $225 million in Level Up funding). This budget also invests $100 million in Special Education, $100 million in school safety and security, $100 million in mental health resources in schools, $60 million investment in Pre-K and $19 million in Head Start programs.
The additional school funding for the 157th Legislative District is a much-needed investment in children’s future. The Phoenixville Area School District will receive an 11.1% increase from last year, while the Spring-Ford Area School District will see a 15% increase. The Tredyffrin-Easttown School District’s funding will go up by 14.6%.
This extra money will help to level the playing field for students across the Commonwealth, ensuring that all children have access to quality education. Shusterman said the budget also creates a Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit in Pennsylvania, which she introduced in September with House Bill 2053.
“I’m pleased this proposal is included in the budget,” Shusterman said. “This credit would be 30% of the federal credit and will help parents and caregivers access quality, affordable child care.”
Pennsylvania is one of 19 states that does not offer tax credits for child or dependent care, according to the National Women’s Law Center.
Shusterman also said other items in the budget that she approves of include funding for clean streams and water and sewer projects, $100 million for mental health programs, and reducing the Corporate Net Income Tax from 9.99% to 8.99% on Jan. 1 and a 0.5% reduction annually until it reaches 4.99%.
The budget now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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