HARRISBURG, PA — State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, voted Sunday for Pennsylvania’s fiscal 2026-27 budget, a more than $50 billion spending plan that increases funding for Chester County schools, human services and mental health programs without raising taxes.
The budget provides a 9.1% funding increase for the Coatesville Area School District, a 2.7% increase for the Twin Valley School District and a 1.1% increase for the Octorara Area School District, according to Williams’ office.
It also appropriates $40 million for Pennsylvania’s Student Teacher Stipend Program, which helps aspiring educators cover costs while completing required classroom training.
“The investments that we’ve agreed to today align with the priorities of our communities and deliver for everyday people in Chester County,” Williams stated.
The spending plan directs the Department of Human Services to replace magnetic-stripe Electronic Benefit Transfer cards with chip-enabled cards intended to reduce theft of public assistance benefits.
It also funds additional openings in the Intellectual Disabilities Community Waiver Program, which provides home- and community-based services to eligible residents.
The budget supports a Medicaid reentry initiative connecting incarcerated people with substance use disorder treatment and recovery services before their release. The program is intended to improve continuity of care and reduce recidivism.
Mental health funding includes support for the 988 crisis line and walk-in crisis stabilization centers.
Williams, who chairs the House Human Services Committee, framed the package as a balance between expanded services and affordability.
“Workers benefit from better pay and tax relief. Students benefit from stronger schools and more opportunities,” Williams stated. “Most importantly, we advanced affordability without raising taxes.”
The General Assembly approved, and Governor Josh Shapiro signed the budget Sunday for the fiscal year that began July 1.
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