February 3, 2026 — Sen. Nick Miller (D-Lehigh/Northampton) applauds Governor Shapiro’s proposed investments in addressing housing and energy affordability, education, public safety, and economic development during today’s budget address.
The plan includes a $1 billion critical infrastructure fund to tackle Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, protect renters and homeowners, and strengthen communities.
“We cannot compete or thrive unless Pennsylvanians can afford to live here,” said Miller. “This plan is a critical step toward making that happen.”
Governor Shapiro also proposed $75 million for firefighters and EMS, including $30 million in competitive grants to upgrade facilities like Allentown’s historic firehouse.
“Our first responders’ risk everything to keep us safe, and they deserve facilities that match their courage and commitment,” Miller said. “I’m proud to see Lieutenant Warmkessel recognized during today’s budget address and to champion these investments that protect lives and build stronger, safer neighborhoods.”
Education remains a top priority, with $8.3 billion for Basic Education, $1.5 billion for Special Education, and $35 million for student teacher stipends.
Miller, who served on the 2023 Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC), a bipartisan effort to construct a formula to properly fund the state’s public education system, commended the continued investment in the Governor’s budget address.
“Investing in our education workforce means investing in our students and the bright future they deserve,” Miller added.
This proposed budget invests $68.3 million in PCCD’s Violence Intervention and Prevention Program, a $5.2 million increase and boosts funding for the BOOST Program by $1 million, bringing total support to $12.5 million to keep kids safe, engaged, and thriving.
“Every family deserves to feel safe at home, at school, and in their neighborhood,” said Senator Miller. “As a PCCD committee member, I fought for a $61 million investment in last year’s budget to fund targeted grants that reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities. That’s why I’m proud to see continued investments in safer neighborhoods across our commonwealth to build trust, stability, and stronger communities.”
The budget also advances Innovate in PA 2.0, expanding venture capital, accelerating life sciences breakthroughs, and commercializing university research with a $100 million investment.
“This program will attract cutting-edge businesses, create high-paying jobs, and secure Pennsylvania’s position as a national leader in innovation,” said Miller.
This budget proposes to repeal several currently duplicative tax credit programs and creates the new AdvancePA tax credit, a new flexible $10 million job creating program.
“Pennsylvanian businesses deserve a tax system that prioritizes growth and opportunity,” said Miller. “By creating the AdvancePA tax credit, we’re making it easier to attract major investments and create high-paying jobs right here in Pennsylvania. This approach ensures taxpayer dollars are used efficiently while delivering real benefits.”
Additional highlights include:
- $10 million for the 988 mental health crisis hotline, which answered over 145,000 calls last year.
- $200 million to Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit to cut taxes for almost 1 million Pennsylvanians.
- $35 million for student teacher stipends.
- $10 million in cybersecurity updates across our state’s agency infrastructure.
- $16 million for 380 new state police officers.
- $12.5 million for Workforce and Economic Development.
- GRID standards proposed by the Administration to ensure responsible data center and AI development that protects communities and resources.
- Energy affordability initiatives, including the Lightning Plan.
“This budget builds stronger schools, safer neighborhoods, affordable housing, and a thriving economy, all while protecting Pennsylvanians from rising costs and environmental strain,” Miller said.