Schweyer Praises Shapiro Budget as Education Funding Debate Heats Up

State Rep. Peter Schweyer endorses governor's proposed 2026-27 budget, saying it advances 'adequacy, equity and accountability' in school funding

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:15am

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State Rep. Peter Schweyer, the Majority Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee, endorsed Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2026-27 budget, saying it sends a clear message that students across Pennsylvania deserve equitable funding and expanded opportunities. The budget proposal includes increases in Basic Education Funding and Special Education funding, as well as investments in STEM and computer science programs, the School-to-Work Program, and the Student Teacher Stipend program.

Why it matters

The debate over education funding in Pennsylvania has been a contentious issue, with calls for more equitable and adequate funding across the state. Schweyer's endorsement of Shapiro's budget proposal suggests a potential path forward, but the budget process still has several weeks of hearings and negotiations ahead before a final version is approved.

The details

Schweyer said the governor's budget proposal 'advances adequacy, equity and accountability into the school funding system.' The plan includes a $50 million increase in Basic Education Funding and an additional $50 million for Special Education. It also proposes $10 million for STEM and computer science programs, a $3.5 million increase for the School-to-Work Program, and increased funding for the Student Teacher Stipend program.

  • The governor's $53.3 billion budget proposal will now move through several weeks of hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.
  • Lawmakers will begin negotiations ahead of the July 1 start of the next fiscal year.

The players

Peter Schweyer

State Rep. Peter Schweyer is the Majority Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee.

Josh Shapiro

Josh Shapiro is the Governor of Pennsylvania.

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What they’re saying

“Today, the governor told Pennsylvania students and their families that regardless of where they live, they deserve a quality education.”

— Peter Schweyer, State Rep., Majority Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee (mychesco.com)

“These investments will mean children will have more qualified teachers in their classrooms, better access to new technology, safe and comfortable learning environments and improved support for their mental health and wellbeing.”

— Peter Schweyer, State Rep., Majority Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee (mychesco.com)

“Students wishing to enter career paths in the trades can have an easier opportunity to do so.”

— Peter Schweyer, State Rep., Majority Chair of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee (mychesco.com)

What’s next

The governor's $53.3 billion budget proposal will now move through several weeks of hearings before the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, as lawmakers begin negotiations ahead of the July 1 start of the next fiscal year.

The takeaway

Schweyer's endorsement of Shapiro's budget proposal suggests a potential path forward in the long-running debate over education funding in Pennsylvania, but the budget process still has several weeks of hearings and negotiations ahead before a final version is approved.