Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Guzman Praises 2026-27 State Budget for Strengthening Education and Delivering Results for Berks County

Guzman Praises 2026-27 State Budget for Strengthening Education and Delivering Results for Berks County

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    July 13, 2026 | 1:41 PM

HARRISBURG, July 13 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, chairman of the Central Pennsylvania House Delegation and a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Monday praised Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 state budget for delivering critical investments that will strengthen Reading, Berks County and communities across Pennsylvania.

After working alongside his colleagues throughout the weekend to finalize the $50.8 billion spending plan, Guzman highlighted the budget’s investments in public education, affordable housing, tax relief for working families, public safety, mental health, job creation and health care, all without raising taxes.

“Our communities deserve a budget that provides the support and resources hardworking families need to navigate everyday challenges,” Guzman said. “I am proud of what we were able to deliver for Reading and communities across the commonwealth by investing in the priorities that matter most and improving affordability.”

The budget provides significant increases for local schools. Governor Mifflin School District will receive an additional $1.7 million, a 10.4% increase, while Reading School District will receive an additional $28.5 million, a 9.7% increase.

“Education continues to be one of my top priorities,” Guzman said. “These investments will ensure our students and educators reach their full potential while strengthening our public schools.”

Statewide, the budget includes a $565 million increase in adequacy funding, more than $50 million in additional basic education and special education funding, and $121 million for school safety and mental health grants to help prevent tragedies before they happen. The plan also provides a long-overdue supplemental annuity for retired school employees.

Beyond education, the budget continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, returning nearly $200 million to almost 950,000 working families. It expands affordable housing opportunities, strengthens consumer protections, and invests $10 million for career and technical education and $3.5 million for Pennsylvania’s Schools-to-Work Program. The spending plan also supports small businesses, agriculture and innovation to help create jobs and strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy.

“This budget is about delivering tangible results that improve people’s everyday lives,” Guzman said. “While there is always more work to do, I remain committed to fighting for the resources our communities need and continuing to deliver results for our families.”