Human services and education make up most of the proposed spending under Gov. Shapiro’s budget plan

February 4, 2026 - 08:15

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's recently unveiled budget plan for the 2026-2027 fiscal year places a dominant emphasis on the core areas of education and human services. A detailed analysis reveals that these two sectors alone constitute a staggering 80% of the entire proposed state spending, underscoring the administration's stated focus on foundational government functions.

The substantial allocation is intended to address a range of critical needs across the Commonwealth. Within education, proposed funding aims to support basic education, special education, and initiatives to make higher education more accessible and affordable for Pennsylvania families. The human services portion of the budget is designed to bolster the state's safety net, including funding for healthcare services, support for individuals with disabilities, and programs assisting older adults.

This budgetary framework signals a clear commitment to investing in Pennsylvania's people, from early learning through senior care. The proposal now moves to the state legislature, where it will undergo review and negotiation as part of the annual budget process. The final spending plan will determine how these proposed investments are ultimately realized and distributed across the state's many school districts and human service providers.