Philadelphia House Delegation praises Shapiro’s budget priorities

Governor’s plan invests significantly in law enforcement and public safety

HARRISBURG, March 9 – Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation today expressed their endorsement of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s first budget proposal, which he provided during an address to the General Assembly. The delegation said the spending proposal, that will cover the fiscal year 2023-24, displays a solid approach to the most critical issues facing the commonwealth.

“We are greatly satisfied in being assured by the governor that our core priorities as a delegation are included in his plan and that the voices of our city are being heard,” said the delegation’s chair, state Rep. Morgan Cephas.

“Improving educational outcomes by investing in K-12 funding and school buildings and reducing gun violence through the Neighborhood Infrastructure Initiative are among the most crucial needs of Philadelphia. We are confident that this budget will allow us to work on more efficient ways to eradicate the inequities and deficiencies in our city,” Cephas continued.

State Rep. Danilo Burgos, vice chair of the delegation, emphasized the fact that the governor’s budget has innovation and development as two of its key words.

“Shapiro’s budget pitch is for the benefit of every Pennsylvanian,” he said. “We are excited to see a 50% increase for the Manufacturing PA Innovation Program, which connects colleges and universities, the Industrial Resource Center and the Department of Community and Economic Development. I am very optimistic about the state’s economic growth and stability,” Burgos said.

Rep. Malcom Kenyatta, treasurer, said that the governor’s budget address shows that he is committed to helping Pennsylvanians across the commonwealth, and that his proposed budget would especially be beneficial to Philadelphia.

“For far too long our schools have been woefully underfunded, our streets have been too dangerous, and working families in our city have struggled with rising costs,” Kenyatta said.

“This budget addresses all these issues and much more that can move Philadelphia and Pennsylvania forward,” he added.  

Rep. Jared Solomon who is chairing the Philadelphia House Delegation Policy Subcommittee, regards the budget as an effective plan to improve the welfare of everyone in the state.

“This budget represents how government can tangibly improve people’s lives,” Solomon said. “It's an investment in the look and feel of our business corridors, the infrastructure of our schools, and the training and take-home pay of our workers. I look forward to working with Governor Shapiro and my House colleagues to make this budget work for all Pennsylvanians.”