Pennsylvania Enacts 2026–27 State Budget
On Sunday, July 12, 2026, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the FY 2026-2026 $50.8 billion. The budget was passed after weeks of negotiations between legislative leaders and Governor Josh Shapiro's administration, addressing concerns about education funding, infrastructure, and essential state services.
While the final budget did not include every investment PACCA and our partners sought, it does reflect continued recognition that early childhood education is essential to Pennsylvania’s children, families, workforce, and economy.
The enacted budget includes:
- $5 million increase for the Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program
- $3.75 million increase for Pre-K Counts
- $1.043 million increase for the Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program
- $1.129 million increase for the Child Care Assistance line item
- Level funding for the Child Care Services appropriation
- Increases minimum bonus from $450 to $540 per person;
- Requires the Department must approve or deny an application for funding within 60 days of receipt (previously 45 days).
- Making Intermediate Units (without Head Start) eligible providers of Pre-K Counts;
- Modifying the minimum instructional requirements: "provide, over the school year, a minimum of 180 days of pre-kindergarten instruction or 900 hours of pre-kindergarten instruction for a full-day program or 450 hours for a half-day program."