HARRISBURG, PA — Members of the Philadelphia House Delegation on Tuesday threw their support behind Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 state budget, calling it a strong starting point that prioritizes investment without raising taxes as lawmakers brace for weeks of negotiations in the Capitol.
Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Philadelphia, chairwoman of the delegation, said the governor’s proposal reflects clear values and addresses long-standing challenges facing both the city and the Commonwealth.
“This budget is a solid plan for moving our city and state forward,” Cephas said. She described budgets as “moral documents” and said the proposal delivers through targeted investments in education, public safety, infrastructure, housing, and affordability while avoiding tax increases.
Cephas emphasized that sustainable funding for mass transit remains the delegation’s top priority, noting that recent actions to support SEPTA provided short-term relief but did not resolve long-term needs.
“The governor bought us time for SEPTA with a shift in capital funds, but that remains a short-term solution at the cost of maintenance, repairs, and capital investments,” she said. Cephas added that discussions with Senate Republicans continue as the administration again proposes redirecting Sales and Use Tax revenue to support mass transportation projects statewide.
Education infrastructure also featured prominently in the delegation’s support. With the School District of Philadelphia considering school closures and consolidations, Cephas said continued state investment in facilities is critical. She pointed to the proposed $125 million allocation for the school facilities fund to repair and remediate aging buildings and resources.
The delegation also renewed its call for an increase in the minimum wage, framing it as an economic necessity rather than a symbolic gesture.
“Philadelphians’ wages have been stagnant as costs continue to rise,” Cephas said. “This is not just about teenagers flipping burgers. Raising the minimum wage will uplift our economy and provide people a living wage to pay the bills and put food on the table — not having to choose one or the other.”
Shapiro’s proposal outlines a $53.3 billion balanced budget and now moves to the Pennsylvania House and Senate Appropriations Committees, where state agencies will face weeks of hearings. Lawmakers are expected to shape the proposal into final legislation ahead of the July 1 start of the new fiscal year.
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