(Credit: Sen. Maria Collett / Facebook)
Sen. Maria Collett (D-12 Montgomery, Democratic Caucus Chair) attended Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget address today and shared the following comments:
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves the freedom to afford necessities like rent and groceries while maintaining the ability to save for a better future. Governor Shapiro’s budget focuses on putting more money back into working families’ pockets, growing our economy, and keeping our communities healthy and safe. I've heard from constituents expressing their concerns about the chaos unfolding in Washington, making our job at the state level more important than ever. I’m ready to get to work on their behalf to deliver a responsible budget.”
Economy & Affordability
“This budget prioritizes new, high-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians, bolsters career training to ensure workers are ready to fill those roles, and funds public transit so they can reliably travel to and from work. The budget aims to reduce energy bills and tax bills, increase innovation and expand our economy for all Pennsylvanians. The Governor's plan also recognizes that without quality childcare, many parents cannot afford to re-enter the workforce. And that without raising our shameful minimum wage and investing in all corners of our workforce, our Commonwealth will continue to lose workers to neighboring states.”
Public Education
“Public schools are the backbone of this Commonwealth, and our K-12 students, teachers, and school staff deserve the highest quality education and work environment, no matter their zip code. The Governor’s proposed budget addresses the issues that are on the top of our families’ minds, like universal free school breakfasts, teacher shortages, mental health supports, school safety and so much more. I’m also thrilled to see the Governor call for the renewal of funding for free period products for Pennsylvania students.”
Supporting Aging Pennsylvanians
“Pennsylvania is home to one of the fastest growing aging populations in the country, and it’s up to us to ensure they have the resources and support they need to age with dignity. Last year, our final budget fell short, leaving essential programs like Aging Our Way, PA without adequate funding. I’m thrilled to see Governor Shapiro continue to push PA forward and voice the need for a budget that comes through for seniors and the caregivers who support them. As the Democratic Chair for the Aging & Youth Committee, I’m ready to get to work.”
Healthcare Access
“As a nurse, I’m particularly pleased to see Governor Shapiro’s efforts to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare. His plan would address staffing shortages by doubling funding for my Nursing Workforce Initiative’s industry partnership program. It would work to prevent nursing home and hospital closures by fighting the outsized presence of private equity firms who turn these health systems into financial assets to be raided, instead of supporting the providers who care for our family, friends and neighbors.
“And because of the looming threats brought from the chaos in Washington DC, the Governor called for the legislature to pass legislation I have introduced with fellow Senate Democrats to enshrine key protections of the Affordable Care Act into state law. It’s time to get this done – because we are not going back to the days of lifetime limits, denials for preexisting conditions, or kicking young people off their parents’ insurance before 26 years old. We can do better.”
Follow the 2025-26 state budget process at SenatorCollett.com/Budget.
