PHILADELPHIA. – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker issued the following statement on the FY2025-26 State Budget Address delivered today by Governor Josh Shapiro:
“I was privileged to hear Governor Shapiro’s speech firsthand today in Harrisburg. It was a speech filled with hope for our Commonwealth, and that includes Philadelphia.
Public Education
“I was glad to hear Governor Shapiro emphasize the critical importance of funding for public education in Pennsylvania.
“In his budget, Governor Shapiro reaffirmed his commitment to Philadelphia students. Among the investments that the Governor proposed are $137 million in new adequacy funds, plus new funding for the fair funding formula and special education – an important step towards closing the funding gap that has plagued our schools for a generation.
“The Parker administration will continue advocating for even more education funding for our children – their futures are among our most important priorities as a City.
“The budget also increases funding for adult education programs that are a necessary foundation for economic opportunity for adult learners across Philadelphia. It doubles the funding for student teacher stipends, which will allow Philadelphia to attract the best and brightest teachers we need to meet the high academic expectations we have for all our students.
Housing
“I, too, share the Governor’s understanding of the need to prioritize funding for affordable housing, for first-time homebuyers, and to shelter those who are unhoused. The additional $10 million to help first-time homebuyers with closing costs mirrors Philadelphia’s Philly First Home, a city program that my administration is extremely proud of. The Governor is also proposing $10 million more in affordable housing supports and, overall, he proposes an increase of $70 million in housing investments – Philadelphia supports every dollar of that investment.
Workforce Development & Increasing the Minimum Wage
“The Governor’s focus on workforce development was encouraging, as we focus daily on increasing the economic pie for every Philadelphian through programs like our City College for Municipal Employment.
“Our Commonwealth’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not been increased in almost 20 years, is unconscionably low, and the Governor has my full-throated support to increase our minimum wage to $15 an hour. Every dollar that is raised in the minimum wage will go directly into the wallets of hard-working workers throughout our city and across our Commonwealth. This increase is long-overdue – let’s get it done in 2025!
Public Transit
“I want to commend the Governor for continuing his commitment to funding for public transportation – a vital cog in ensuring access to economic opportunity for our workforce and residents throughout the city and region.
2026 in Philadelphia
“I appreciated the Governor’s acknowledgement that next year the world will descend on Philadelphia for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. Our city is working around the clock to ensure that Philadelphia is ready for the Nation and the world to arrive – and the Commonwealth’s support in those preparations cannot be understated.”