Today Governor Shapiro presented his proposed budget in his vision for Pennsylvania. “After a multi-decade campaign to address underfunding in our public schools the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled our current funding formula was unconstitutional. While we applaud Governor Shapiro’s commitment to invest over $1.2 billion into our public K-12 education system, we are disappointed in the Governor’s call for private school voucher funding and call on the legislature to use every available dollar for education to address the more than $5.4 billion gap reported by the Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC). Despite this challenge, we are excited to see that our school facilities continue to be a priority guaranteeing the health of students and continued jobs for our 32BJ members.” - Gabe Morgan, President - SEIU PA State Council (Executive Vice President and 32BJ PA/DE State Director)
“We remain encouraged by the proposal to restructure Pennsylvania’s higher education system. We hope to be collaborative partners in developing a system that will ensure that the workers who support these institutions have union family sustaining jobs that give us a voice in our workplace." David Melman, President - PA Joint Board, Workers United SEIU
“We support the Governor’s renewed call for a $15 minimum wage as we fight for a living wage for all Pennsylvania workers, and strongly advocate for the necessary investment for all home care workers to be on a path to earning $20/hr, with real accountability on home healthcare agencies that ensures taxpayer dollars go toward care for Pennsylvanians, and not just corporate profits.” - Matt Yarnell, President SEIU Healthcare PA
“We applaud the Governor's proposed funding for Aging, Youth Development Centers/Forestry Camps, Corrections, and mental health, among other essential state and county services. SEIU members stand ready to advocate for these crucial investments, as well as stable long-term funding for Pennsylvania's unemployment compensation and 911/988 systems.” - Steve Catanese - SEIU 668
