Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf (D-PA) recently had his 2022-23 budget approved, which included major investments in education, local businesses and the environment, and various organizations praised his work.

“The historic investment in Pre-K in this year’s budget – an investment in our most precious resource, our kids, and their futures – is the culmination of Governor Wolf’s effective prioritization of early childhood education throughout his two terms in office,” said Better PA Acting Executive Director Jan Jarrett. “This year’s increase of $79 million to improve and make more accessible quality early childhood education across the state will pay dividends for years to come. We applaud Governor Wolf for his leadership on this critical issue, and we welcome the bipartisan support throughout budget negotiations.”

On July 15, Wolf’s office released statements from some of the organizations benefiting from the budget. The $45.2 billion capstone budget is designed to make “long overdue investments” while securing the commonwealth’s financial future. One major part is a “historic” increase in education funding amounting to $1.8 billion and other investments for safer communities, workforces, businesses and natural resources.

The PA Principals Association also applauded the work of Wolf. In a statement, the association said that the emphasis on education is “not only historic, but long awaited and much needed.”

“The principals of the Commonwealth, who have been called to serve our state’s youth, appreciate the recognition that well-placed funding, entrusted to local school districts, will certainly ensure that the needs of our students are met,” the PA Principals Association said.

AFT Pennsylvania President Arthur Steinberg added, “After decades of chronic disinvestment from Pennsylvania’s public schools, this year’s education budget made a leap toward in the direction of full and fair funding. We’re proud to support Governor Wolf in his continued efforts to help ensure every child, no matter their background or zip code, and we applaud these long overdue increases in funding.”

Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Luke Bernstein said that, on behalf of the Pennsylvania business community, he thanked Gov. Wolf and the House and Senate for their bipartisan work in creating a solid budget. He sent “deep thanks” to the 222 House and Senate members who voted yes.

“Act 53 of 2022 improves Pennsylvania’s economic competitiveness by providing relief to small businesses, along with immediate and continued reductions to the state’s Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT),” Bernstein said. “By 2031, the end of the scheduled reductions, Pennsylvania’s rate of 4.99% will be the sixth lowest in the nation (based on current state corporate tax rates). Pennsylvania has so much to offer investors and entrepreneurs. These tax reforms instantly make us more globally competitive and allow us to focus on Pennsylvania’s strengths as a hub of global commerce and opportunity – our prime location, world-class educational institutions, innovative workforce and more.”