Senator Collett Praises Governor Shapiro's Budget Priorities

Democratic Caucus Chair says budget focuses on working families, education, jobs, and healthcare

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:47pm

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Senator Maria Collett, a Democratic state senator representing Montgomery County, expressed support for Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal, saying it addresses key issues like affordable living, public education, job growth, public safety, and healthcare access without raising taxes.

Why it matters

As a member of the Democratic leadership in the state Senate, Senator Collett's backing of the governor's budget plan signals potential bipartisan support for the proposal, which will need to pass the Republican-controlled legislature.

The details

In her statement, Senator Collett highlighted the budget's focus on putting 'more money into working families' pockets, continuing to invest in public education, growing good-paying jobs, strengthening public safety, and expanding access to affordable healthcare.' She called on her Republican colleagues to begin budget negotiations immediately to 'keep building a healthy Pennsylvania together.'

  • Governor Shapiro delivered the budget address on February 3, 2026.
  • Senator Collett shared her full response in a social media video.

The players

Senator Maria Collett

A Democratic state senator representing Pennsylvania's 12th district in Montgomery County and the chair of the Democratic caucus.

Governor Josh Shapiro

The current Democratic governor of Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“I was glad to see the Governor spotlight so many issues that matter deeply to the people I represent — and that move us closer to a Healthy Pennsylvania, where families can afford their lives, schools give every child a fair shot, and communities are safe, stable, and full of opportunity.”

— Senator Maria Collett, Democratic Caucus Chair (pasenate.com)

“This budget is laser focused on putting more money into working families' pockets, continuing to invest in public education, growing good-paying jobs, strengthening public safety, and expanding access to affordable healthcare – all without raising taxes.”

— Senator Maria Collett, Democratic Caucus Chair (pasenate.com)

What’s next

The state legislature will now begin the process of reviewing and negotiating the governor's budget proposal, with the goal of passing a final budget by the June 30th deadline.

The takeaway

Senator Collett's support for the governor's budget priorities suggests potential bipartisan cooperation on key issues like education, jobs, and healthcare, despite the Republican control of the state legislature.