Senator Schwank Issues Statement of the Passage of the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget

Harrisburg, PA - November 12, 2025 - Today, Sen. Judy Schwank voted to approve a $50.09 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. She issued the following statement on its passage, which brings an end to the months-long budget impasse:

"I'm happy to get this done and begin driving out the funding that Pennsylvanians need after such a long process. This budget reflects compromise and an understanding that countless services rely on the state for support. I've been hearing from school districts, nonprofits, local governments, and everyone in between about the need to bring this process to a close. Any further delay was not an option.

We increased funding for programs that are important to me and my district, including an $11 million increase for the State Food Purchase Program and Farmers Market Nutrition Program. We also created a new $25 million fund for child care recruitment and retention. On the economic development front, we invested another $20 million in Main Street Matters, and Berks County looks poised to tap into that program in upcoming rounds. We also invested an additional $20 million in the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program, which will support small business growth.

No budget is perfect, but this one is realistic. It allows us to fulfill our obligations and make key investments without raising taxes or drawing from the Rainy Day Fund."

More information about SB 160, the general appropriations, can be found here.

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