State Budget Hearings

Rep. Andre D. Carroll February 27, 2026 | 3:20 PM

Hello neighbors!

We’re currently in the process of setting our budget priorities for the 2026-27 fiscal year and hearing from different departments of the Commonwealth. During these three weeks, we get to dig into the proposed budget and make sure your tax dollars are spent wisely.

The budget emphasizes the following beliefs House Democrats have been pushing for:

Every student in every school gets a chance to succeed with hard work.
Every local business has the tools to compete and create jobs.
Working Pennsylvanians get money back in their pockets to help pay for the things they need, such as affordable groceries and housing.
Making sure everyone can afford to see a doctor when they get sick.

Another essential aspect of the budget is preparing Pennsylvania for potential federal uncertainties. The plan creates a Federal Response Fund to help maintain critical services for Pennsylvanians in the event of reduced or delayed federal support.

While our discretionary budget accounts for roughly one-third of state spending, nearly 40% is funded through federal programs, making it crucial to be prepared if those commitments are not fulfilled.

While we are working hard in Harrisburg, I have not lost sight of the important concerns and conversations happening at home in the district.

This month, I had the gracious opportunity to celebrate Black History Month in our community by uplifting local businesses, individuals, and organizations that have proven to give back to our community. From our Black Business Hop to our Black Author School Tour, I saw firsthand the importance of celebrating the accomplishments of those in our community. I hope that you were able to follow along in celebrating and uplifting all of the Black voices in our area!

I am always happy to help our community in any way I can. Please feel free to reach out to my office, should you need anything from us.

As always in service,

Rep. Andre D. Carroll

Team Carroll in the Community

On February 14th, I spent Valentines Day at The Heart Showering event, which was an event held to save the historic YWCS building on Germantown Avenue. Thanks to the Friends for the Restoration of the Germantown YWCA for inviting me out to show my support and commitment to our community!

On February 17th, I went to Perfectly Flawless Boutique for the 3rd week of my Black Business Hop! They are doing a lot of good things for our community at Perfectly Flawless Boutique. They host a free clothing event every Wednesday and Thursday from 12-3 PM at 5312 Germantown Ave.! Thank you, Crystal, for giving me a tour of your boutique and the work you do for our community!

On February 18th, I was at City Hall with my colleagues for a press conference on a bill I passed with Rep. Anthony Bellmon, H.B. 1936. This bill focuses on detention timelines, transfers, and court oversight for juveniles. If you want to learn more information about it, please visit my Instagram page to watch the press conference-@Rep_adc

On February 19th, my team attended Philly Rises Kick-Off with the city commissioner’s office. This event is an effort to bring together 300 students, educators, and community partners to learn about ways to expand civic education in Philadelphia schools. Events like this are crucial to the future of our democracy and continuing to build a stronger and more engaged group of leaders.

On February 19th, my team went to Archwell Health’s Grand opening of their Germantown location at 6201 Germantown Ave. Thank you, Archwell, for bringing healthcare to seniors in our community. We look forward to all the work you will do in the future! If you are 60+ and looking for a new healthcare provider, we now have options in our community!

On February 20th, I kicked off week 3 of my Black Author School Tour right here at my former Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary!

We had Musical Artist Chill Moody and his cousin Danielle Kellogg who collaborated to write “Gia the Golfer.”

This book is about encouragement and courage to know that readers can be successful at anything they work hard for. We really enjoyed touring a few classrooms with Principal Heifet, and seeing all the smiles on students’ faces. Thank you, Roosevelt Elementary, Chill Moody, and Danielle for helping make this a special day for students!

On February 21st, I had a great time at Yes and… Collaborative Arts Reception. This is a Youth empowering program that uses art as a tool for personal growth and change. This reception was for their performance of “It’s About Time”! Thank you for inviting me out to spend some time with parents and friends who support this program! I am so glad to learn so much more about what Yes and... Collaborative Arts has to offer.

On February 25th, I had the opportunity to take part in the Black Voices, Right Now; Right Here Panel at West Oak Lane Charter School. I got to tell students a little bit about myself and show them that people who look like them can be successful! Thank you, West Oak Lane Charter, for giving me the opportunity to be on your panel and answer some of the great questions students had. The energy the students had on this morning truly made my day, I can’t wait to come back again!

On February 26th, I kicked off my final week of my Black Business Hop! This week I visited both Monz Crabby Dips and Our House Culture Center.

Our House has been a staple in Germantown for 9 years allowing our community to host art shows, creative events, and community gatherings! Continuing to embody the traditions & legacy of the Lucien Crump Art Gallery, which is the first gallery to feature African American work in Philadelphia.

Monz Crabby dip is a catering and food truck company that specializes in pescatarian cuisine! They are expanding the business and opening up a brick and mortar in Delaware very soon!

On February 27th, I joined the fight alongside my city and state colleagues at the “Save our Schools” rally. I was happy to stand proudly among teachers, students, and community leaders to express the importance of keeping schools open! We hope our voices are heard and that our message is clear…Fund Our Communities, Fix Our Facilities, and Save Our Schools!

On February 27th, I wrapped up my final Black Author School Tour event with Talona Coleman at Prince Hall! She read her book “We Can Give” which teaches kids about the importance of giving back. I was so happy to engage with students and play games with them! I hope we made their day one to remember!

As Black History Month comes to an end, I want to thank my community for all the support we’ve gotten this month! If you want to view the videos from all of the Black Business Hop and Black Author School tour events this month, please visit my Instagram & Facebook page @Rep_adc!