Kenyatta excited by Gov. Shapiro’s proposals in 25-26 Budget Address
Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta February 5, 2025 | 12:47 PM
Today, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta release the following statement in support of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-2026 state budget proposal.
“I was honored to listen to Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal, one that instills hope and excitement for progress in the commonwealth,” Kenyatta said. “It calls for us to promote equity by prioritizing education funding, so every student has resources and opportunities to follow their own path for a better future, whether that’s a four-year college or trade school, it sets them up for a lifetime of success.
“The governor’s proposal to legalize adult-use cannabis will create more than a billion dollars in revenue that we can reinvest into the commonwealth. More importantly, we will ensure that it’s done with restorative justice to marginalized communities by expunging criminal marijuana offenses and helping minority owned licensed cannabis growers to profit from this booming industry.
“We cannot in good conscious move forward with adult-use cannabis legislation without fixing the devastation that marginalized communities faced during the failed War on Drugs.
“Workers throughout the commonwealth are financially struggling because of soaring prices and stagnant wages. We should help ease their burden any way we can. Let’s start providing options for affordable child and dependent care because people thrive when they have options, which builds up our state in countless ways.
“Another way to help ease the burdens Pennsylvanians face is a raise in the minimum wage. Workers deserve a pay raise; it’s been over 15 years since they’ve have had one and we are falling far behind other states when it comes to fair wages. We need skilled and talented people for our workforce, but we will never get that with a $7.25 minimum wage.
“We made huge strides during the last legislative session to promote equality and enhance protections for marginalized communities with legislation such as the Fairness Act, more funding to secure community spaces and places of worship as well as tougher penalties for hate crimes and will continue to fight for equality in Pennsylvania.
“I want to thank Gov. Shapiro for his leadership and dedication to moving Pennsylvania forward. I’m ready to get to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get this done for Pennsylvania.”