Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is taking bold steps with his recent 2025-2026 budget proposal, aiming to address several pressing socio-economic issues. His budget, valued at $51.4 billion, comprises significant investments including controversial decisions about closing two prisons and allocating substantial funds for education, alongside raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour.
One major move tucked within the proposal was never even mentioned during Shapiro's lengthy 90-minute speech, yet it has surfaced as one of the most contentious topics—plans to shutter two state prisons, which his administration claims could save approximately $100 million each year. While the reasoning hinges on decreasing incarceration rates across Pennsylvania, the proposal has sparked varied responses. The prison guards’ union has vocally opposed the closures, worrying about employee safety and economic blowback on surrounding communities. The union’s president, John Eckenrode, expressed concerns about violent incidents potentially becoming more frequent without the capacity to manage inmate populations properly.
Shapiro's administration, on the other hand, has reassured employees of the Department of Corrections, stating they can retain their current job status and pay post-closure. Advocates for prison reform have tentatively supported the closures, believing they could pave the way for improved rehabilitation opportunities within the corrections system. Claire Shubik-Richards, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Prison Society, noted, "Most states, including Pennsylvania, have seen the footprint of their state prison population shrink. So this is really, I would say, belatedly keeping with a national trend."
The Pennsylvania prisons currently operate well below capacity, with some facilities running just over 82% full—a significant drop from pre-pandemic numbers when spaces were maxed out. Nonetheless, local lawmakers with prisons in their districts raise alarms about the potential economic fallout, echoing sentiments highlighted by Eckenrode. Eckenrode argued, "Closing these jails will create potential powder kegs of trouble... prison is the primary economic development engine of its area."
Another pillar of Shapiro’s budget proposal focuses on educational funding. A hefty $526 million is earmarked to assist Pennsylvania’s most underfunded schools. Senate Democratic leader Jay Costa expressed appreciation for Shapiro's strong commitments but is concerned about the disproportionate allocations, particularly lamenting how the funding for districts like Pittsburgh was insufficient compared to the needs posited by local lawmakers.
Highlighting these adjustments, Shapiro stated, "We put forth a significant increase in the adequacy formula. If this budget is passed, it would net over my years in office $77 million more for Dauphin County Schools." Yet, this increase is overshadowed by the notion among various stakeholders, particularly Republican leaders, calling for broader funding strategies—like incorporating school vouchers for families seeking alternatives to public schooling.
Perhaps one of the most audacious proposals from Shapiro involves lifting Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from the meager current rate of $7.25 per hour to $15. Advocates for workers see this as long overdue, pointing out how the state’s minimum wage has not been raised since 2009, falling behind every neighboring state. Shapiro remarked, “How about we put more money in people’s pockets by raising their wages?” This sentiment aligns with his broader economic vision aimed at enhancing workforce development, fostering business growth, and nurturing sustainable communities.
Resistance is anticipated from Senate Republicans, who have historically been reluctant to endorse wage increases. Jesse Topper, House Minority Leader, emphasized the polarizing nature of the proposal, claiming, "Raising the minimum wage does not grow the economy." The political tug-of-war on this issue resonates throughout not only state houses but also rank-and-file constituents who continue to struggle with cost-of-living surges. According to estimates from the Keystone Research Center, many minimum wage workers supporting families often find themselves caught amid this economic compartmentalization.
Given the overall state of affairs, Shapiro highlighted the importance of collaboration among lawmakers, stating, "The governor gets to put proposals forward, which I've done, and sign them. At some point, lawmakers need to come together and act, and I think it is long past due to act on those issues." The forthcoming legislative discussions surrounding this budget are set to be contentious, with each side aiming to advance their agendas, be it on prison reform, educational equity, or wage hikes.
The path forward will involve negotiations which may lead to compromises. The budget proposal requires significant attention as lawmakers assess priorities, ensuring it aligns with community needs and the welfare of Pennsylvania's residents. While Shapiro’s vision paints an optimistic future, the upcoming debates will define how substantial changes will manifest for the people of Pennsylvania.