Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024 budget: By the Numbers

Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his second budget during a joint legislative session in Harrisburg Tuesday, emphasizing a commitment to investments in economic development, public safety and education. 

Shapiro’s proposed budget estimates $48.3 billion in expenditures – and is 9% larger than his $45.8 billion proposal last year – with a self-proclaimed “get stuff done” focus that he says continues his vision of creating more opportunity and “delivering real solutions” to the commonwealth. 

“This year, we have a real chance to build safer communities, become more competitive economically, and invest in our students and their success – this budget lays out a comprehensive and aggressive focus on doing just that – without raising taxes and maintaining a surplus of $11 billion at the end of June 2025,” Shapiro said in his opening remarks. “I look forward to working with the General Assembly to continue to get stuff done for the good people of Pennsylvania, solve the most pressing problems we face, and meet this moment responsibly and with bipartisan compromise.”

The legislature will soon hold budget hearings with state agencies and negotiate state spending ahead of the commonwealth’s June 30 deadline to pass the budget.

Here are some key figures: 

$1.1 billion increase in basic education funding, including a $900 million first-year adequacy investment in K-12 schools and a $200 million investment through the Basic Education Funding Formula

$975 million for the proposed higher education governance system, including a 15% increase in funding for state-owned universities and community colleges, and a 5% increase in institutional support for state-related universities

$100 million in mental health funding for K-12 schools

$50 million increase in special education funding

$50 million annual investment in school safety and security improvements

$10 million for the Educator Talent Recruitment Account, which is aimed at increasing participation in the education workforce

1.75% increase in the state share of public transit funding, including a $282.8 million increase in transit funding and $160 million in support of SEPTA

$100 million investment in gun violence reduction, including a $37.5 million increase for the Violence Intervention and Prevention Program within the Commission on Crime and Delinquency 

$50 million investment in the Whole Home Repairs program

$50 million investment in Pennie health insurance program to increase access

$30 million increase for EMS and firefighter funding, doubling investment in the Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program

$20 million investment in large-scale innovation, research and development

$16 million to create four new cadet classes for the Pennsylvania State Police

$8.5 million to improve and expand the commonwealth’s outdoor trail system 

$2.5 million increase for providing indigent individuals with defense counsel in court cases