Rep. Day: 2026-27 State Budget Statement

July 14, 2026

HARRISBURG - Following the passage of the 2026-27 state budget, Rep. Gary Day (R-Lehigh) issued the following statement:

"No budget is perfect, but this one reflects the priorities of the people I represent. I'm glad it wasn't significantly delayed like last year's budget, which meant people who depend on the budget's funding weren't left in limbo for months.

"It boosts PreK-12 education funding by nearly $680 million and ensures every Pennsylvania school district, including those in the 187th District, will see an increase in funding for the coming school year. We're also preserving the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs, which give families real choices in their children's education. And it continues necessary support for career and technical education centers by providing an additional $10 million to address waitlists for students interested in pursuing their education at these centers.

"This budget also remembers those who have contributed to our communities. It includes a pension cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for retired municipal police officers and firefighters, many of whom have not received a COLA in more than 20 years. A COLA will also be provided to retired public servants, including teachers, who retired before significant pension changes were implemented in 2001. These are people who dedicated their careers to serving our communities, and it's long past time they received some relief. There is also increased funding to improve services and strengthen support for our older adults and senior citizens.

"Additionally, this agreement includes $775 million for shovel-ready rural road and bridge projects - $500 million this fiscal year and $275 million next fiscal year - to repair state-owned roads across Pennsylvania beginning this construction season.

"These things matter here at home, whether it's safer roads, better schools, giving students a path into skilled trades or ensuring our older neighbors are supported wherever they live. This budget shows what's possible when we prioritize our communities without asking families and businesses to pay more."

Representative Gary Day
187th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Chris Comisac
717-772-9845
[email protected]
StateRepGaryDay.com/ / Facebook.com/StateRepGaryDay