HARRISBURG, Pa. — The future of Pennsylvania students was a big part of Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget address on Tuesday.
Gov. Shapiro made his case for more than $1 billion in new funding for schools across the state.
This comes after a court ruling showed that the way Pennsylvania funds its schools is unconstitutional, and now it's time for the state to pay up to right that wrong.
"And now, following the general contours of that report, my budget invests $1.1 billion in new funding this year for our schools," said Gov. Shapiro.
It was the moment educators waited all year for as Gov. Shapiro addressed funding for Pennsylvania schools.
After a years-long fight over fair funding, the courts have ruled that the state's allocation of money for schools was unconstitutional.
Lawyers for school districts like Wilkes-Barre Area and Panther Valley estimated that schools are underfunded by billions of dollars.
"Nearly $900 million of that will be sent to support our school children under a new adequacy formula so we can ensure every school has the appropriate level of resources they need to serve their students."
He also is looking to add $50 million for special education funding, $30 million for pre-K services, and a focus on mental health resources.
"Our students are calling out for help and support, and we need to be there for them."
The governor even addressed some of the biggest challenges for our local school districts in keeping up with the age of the buildings.
"Consider this: The Scranton School District alone has identified more than $300 million in necessary repairs—everything from installing a new fire sprinkler to removing lead paint."
Shapiro says this is investing in our students and our future in Pennsylvania.
"My point is, we need to invest a lot more to help these districts maintain safe and healthy learning environments for students."
The governor says he can make all of this happen within our school districts with a cut in taxes for everyone throughout Pennsylvania. He says it's all possible through a $14 billion surplus in Harrisburg.