2026-27 State Budget

On Sunday, both chambers of the General Assembly passed the 2026-27 state budget, which was then signed into law by the governor. For public schools, this budget includes $565 million in adequacy funding to schools that have been left behind, a $50 million increase for basic education funding, and a $50 million increase for special education funding.

The budget also delivers a long-overdue cost-of-living increase to the pensions of an estimated 60,000 retired teachers, emergency responders, and other state employees who retired before July 2, 2001.

One item in this year’s state budget that I am most proud of is doubling state funding for rape crisis centers, a long-overdue investment in workers who provide survivors with counseling, advocacy, medical accompaniment, and hope during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

This is a victory for every advocate, every survivor who shared their story, and everyone who refused to accept that flat funding was good enough. Our work to support survivors is not over, but this hard-fought win is worth celebrating.

I am also proud that the 2026-27 state budget invests $600,000 to support transportation for family visits to state correctional institutions through the Pennsylvania Prison Society’s bus program. According to the state Department of Corrections, in-person visits have high correlation with reduced recidivism after release.

I will always advocate for investments that build stronger family connections, support successful reentry, and help us create safer communities.

As a member of the PA House Appropriations Committee, I spend a lot of time and energy working with my colleagues on a state budget that puts the people of Pennsylvania first. In a divided legislature, budgets are about compromise. No state budget will ever be perfect, especially when Republican leaders control the state Senate.

While I would have liked to see the 2026-27 state budget invest further in many areas, the budget we delivered has some big wins in it. You can click here to dive deeper into the details of this year’s budget.

State Funding for Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank

I am excited to announce that this week Mid-Atlantic Mothers' Milk Bank was awarded $1 million in state funding! This investment will help MAMMB to renovate its new location in Bellevue and create the specialized space needed for their operations, ensuring more families can access the life-saving donor milk and support they provide to medically fragile babies.

Teamsters Local 249 Strike Update

I am happy to report that Heidelberg Materials has returned to the bargaining table with their workers, and I am hopeful the ongoing negotiations lead to a fair agreement that respects the dignity of their workers.

Moments like these show us that when working people stand together, they have great power. I’ll continue to support these workers as they fight for the contract they deserve.

Upcoming Local Events

Brighton Heights Citizen Federation is hosting its very first book fair on Saturday, July 18! Highlights include a book swap, kids zone, and silent reading party. RSVP here.

Celebrate 20 years of Schenley Plaza with a joyful day of music, family fun, and community celebration in the heart of Oakland on Saturday, July 25!

I am hosting my first-ever Expungement Clinic & Resource Fair on Monday, August 3! Legal experts will be on site to provide FREE information about the criminal justice system, explain eligibility requirements, and offer application assistance.

Contact my office with any questions about the event.

Check out Northland Library’s “Children’s Gala 2026: A Rainforest Adventure” event on Saturday, September 19! Activities include games, live entertainment, raffles, face painting, balloon artists, food, photo-op areas, and much more.

My Office is Here to Help You

If you have any questions about this email or need assistance with any state-related matter, my staff and I are here to help you however we can! Reach out at RepKinkead@pahouse.net or call 412-321-5523.

Pennsylvania State Capitol

116-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-5470

District Office

658 Lincoln Ave.

Bellevue, PA 15202
(412) 321-5523

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