HARRISBURG – Today, Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27) supported the 2026-27 state budget passed by the General Assembly, which provides a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to retirees, helps farmers, and increases funding for nursing homes as well as childcare workers.
The final budget is a fiscally responsible agreement that does not impose any new taxes and maintains the Rainy Day Fund while utilizing previously appropriated but unused dollars.
“This year’s budget, thanks in part to identified unspent funds within several state agencies, achieves a number of much-needed increases advocates have been seeking over the last several years,” said Culver. “I am especially thankful that we were able to provide a COLA for pre-Act 9 retired teachers and state employees, as well as certain municipal police and firefighters.”
Additionally, funding was included to assist essential services and workforces. Nursing homes will see an increase of $188.6 million, while the Child Care Recruitment and Retention program is receiving an additional $5 million, and an additional $10 million will be available for the Student Teacher Stipend Program.
“It is important for us to recognize and prioritize workforce development needs,” said Culver. “We have heard for too long the need to help recruit childcare workers, which are an essential role in our early education system. Equally important is the continuation of the student teacher stipend to ensure we are developing and retaining teachers.”
Key agriculture funding will also assist Pennsylvania’s top industry that has faced hardships.
“Our fruit growers saw crops destroyed earlier this year during a frost, resulting in significant revenue loss, and we have appropriated $10 million in assistance for them,” stated Culver. “Additionally, $5 million is being dedicated to biosecurity and emergency response training for avian flu and other agricultural needs.”