HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro rolled out a sweeping economic and workforce agenda this past week, pairing his proposed 2026–27 state budget with new business financing, job training investments, and expanded apprenticeship programs that administration officials say are fueling Pennsylvania’s economic rise.
Presenting his budget proposal to the General Assembly on February 3, Shapiro said the plan builds on what he described as three years of measurable progress — lowering costs, strengthening public safety, expanding education funding, and accelerating economic growth — while maintaining fiscal discipline and avoiding broad-based tax increases.
“From day one, my Administration has been laser-focused on delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania — and what we’re doing is working,” Shapiro said. “This budget builds on the progress we’ve made by making smart, responsible investments that strengthen our schools, keep communities safe, and grow our economy.”
The administration said Pennsylvania has attracted more than $39 billion in private-sector investment since Shapiro took office, creating over 21,500 jobs. Education funding has increased nearly 30 percent, unemployment has remained below the national average for 31 consecutive months, and violent crime has fallen 12 percent statewide, with fatal gun violence down 42 percent. The governor has also cut taxes seven times, delivering relief for seniors, families, and small businesses.
The budget proposal also highlights potential long-term revenue options, noting that regulating skill games and legalizing adult-use cannabis could generate roughly $2 billion annually to support schools, public safety, and taxpayer relief.
Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis said the proposal centers on people and communities across the Commonwealth. “This budget has their back — investing in afterschool programs, community organizations addressing gun violence, early childhood education and child care, and support for victims of crime,” Davis said.
On February 5, the Department of Community and Economic Development announced nearly $3 million in new low-interest loans through the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority to support projects in Dauphin, Lehigh, and Northampton counties. DCED Secretary Rick Siger said the loans will leverage more than $14.2 million in private investment, create 26 new jobs, and retain 107 existing positions.
“These new PIDA loans will help accelerate business growth, drive job creation, and build strong, sustained economic momentum,” Siger said.
The approved projects include a $2 million loan to Orthopedic Surgeons Ltd. in Dauphin County to build a new medical facility, a $725,000 loan to Tri-City Marble Ltd. in Lehigh County to acquire an industrial site, and a $249,411 loan to Cryo Concepts LP in Northampton County to expand manufacturing capacity.
The administration capped the week on February 6 with a $3 million investment to expand training facilities at Steamfitters Local Union 420 in Philadelphia, bringing total state support for the project to $8 million. The funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will expand apprenticeship capacity for in-demand construction and mechanical trades.
“There are many paths to success — and here in Pennsylvania, we respect and invest in all of them,” Shapiro said during the announcement. “By investing in apprenticeships like the ones here at Steamfitters Local 420, we’re training Pennsylvanians for the jobs that fuel our economic growth.”
Siger called the grant “a force multiplier for local workers and businesses,” while Steamfitters Local 420 Business Manager Jim Snell said the funding will allow the union to triple apprenticeship enrollment. “This additional $3 million investment … will allow us to expand our training center and create more opportunity for Pennsylvanians,” Snell said.
Taken together, the budget proposal, business loans, and workforce investments underscore the administration’s strategy of pairing fiscal restraint with aggressive economic development — positioning Pennsylvania, officials say, for sustained growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.
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