Chester Lawmaker Applauds Passage Of $45 Billion PA Budget

PAOLI, PA —State Rep. Melissa Shusterman on Friday applauded lawmakers of both parties for working together to agree on a $45 billion budget that benefits families in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Josh Shapiro Wednesday night signed a package of bills in the budget that includes a major expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit program, which is sponsored by Shusterman, a Chester County Democrat.

The bill provides tax credits for money spent on child and dependent care. The refundable credit increases to $1,700.

"Pennsylvania is the only state in the nation where the House and Senate are controlled by different political parties,” said Shusterman, who represents Easttown, Schyuylkill, Tredyffrin, and Willistown townships. “Unfortunately, this has led to years of legislative gridlock.

“It’s truly an honor to have legislation I sponsored signed into law, especially since it will put more money back into the pockets of nearly a quarter million families and enable parents to return to the workforce.

“This is a historic investment in Pennsylvania families, and both sides of the aisle agree that it is the right thing to do."

What's in the budget?

The final budget also includes $100 million for student mental health services, $50 million to support struggling community hospitals, $50 million to improve 911, and additional investments in public safety, community colleges, libraries, teachers, and police.

The 2023-24 budget also includes $7.8 billion for basic education funding, which includes an increase of $567 million over the 2022-2023 budget.

The budget also includes a $46.5 million increase to provide universal free breakfast to 1.7 million Pennsylvania K-12 students and these additional increases:

• $261 million for community college;
• $100 million for student mental health services;
• $70.5 million for libraries;
• $10 million to provide Pennsylvania’s student teachers with stipends so the commonwealth can get more well-trained teachers into classrooms.