HARRISBURG, PA — State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta (181st District, Philadelphia County) has voiced strong support for Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 state budget, describing it as a visionary blueprint that prioritizes fairness, economic growth, and social justice. With its ambitious agenda to tackle inequality, boost revenue, and deliver historic investments, the budget has given Kenyatta renewed confidence in Pennsylvania’s direction.
“I was honored to listen to Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal, one that instills hope and excitement for progress in the commonwealth,” Kenyatta stated. “It calls for us to promote equity by prioritizing education funding so every student has resources and opportunities to follow their own path for a better future, whether that’s a four-year college or trade school, it sets them up for a lifetime of success.”
Tackling Inequality Through Education and Workforce Development
Central to Kenyatta’s support is the proposal’s commitment to equity in education funding. Governor Shapiro’s budget seeks to close long-standing gaps by focusing resources on underserved schools, providing additional special education funding, and doubling state support for student-teacher stipends. Kenyatta hailed these measures as essential to “setting students up for a lifetime of success.”
The budget also emphasizes workforce development, boosting programs like Career and Technical Education and apprenticeship initiatives. For Kenyatta, these steps represent more than just policy – they are key paths to creating opportunity and breaking cycles of poverty.
Legal Cannabis and Restorative Justice
One of the most striking provisions of Shapiro’s proposal is the call to legalize adult-use cannabis, projected to generate over $1 billion in revenue. While Kenyatta highlighted the economic potential of this move, he underscored its social justice implications.
“We cannot in good conscience move forward with adult-use cannabis legislation without fixing the devastation that marginalized communities faced during the failed War on Drugs,” Kenyatta said. The budget outlines plans for automatic expungement of criminal marijuana offenses and provides measures to support minority-owned cannabis businesses – a step Kenyatta applauded for its focus on economic inclusion.
Kenyatta believes this initiative, combined with reinvestments into affected communities, could set a national example for how states handle the broader impacts of cannabis legalization.
Addressing Financial Burdens on Families
Kenyatta pointed to several budget provisions designed to ease financial challenges for working families. The long-overdue raise in Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, stuck at $7.25 for over 15 years, is a top priority. “Workers deserve a pay raise; it’s been over 15 years since they’ve had one, and we are falling far behind other states when it comes to fair wages,” Kenyatta stated, emphasizing the importance of attracting skilled and talented workers to the Commonwealth.
The budget also proposes initiatives to make childcare more affordable and accessible, a critical step for ensuring economic mobility. “People thrive when they have options,” Kenyatta remarked, referencing the importance of support systems that enable families to succeed.
A Budget Rooted in Equity and Justice
Kenyatta praised other areas of the budget for their focus on dignity and equality, including funding to expand hate crime penalties, protect community spaces, and combat systemic inequities. Building on past legislative achievements like the Fairness Act, the budget sets forth what Kenyatta sees as meaningful progress for marginalized groups across Pennsylvania.
“I want to thank Gov. Shapiro for his leadership and dedication to moving Pennsylvania forward. I’m ready to get to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate to get this done for Pennsylvania,” Kenyatta concluded.
A Path Forward for Pennsylvania
As the budget moves to the General Assembly for further consideration, Kenyatta’s optimism reflects a broader push for bipartisan collaboration. The governor’s focus on balancing fiscal responsibility with targeted investments in equity makes this a budget many hope will set Pennsylvania on a path to sustainable growth and fairness.
The weeks ahead will test the resolve of state lawmakers to work across party lines and deliver on the promise of this proposal. If successful, Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget – bolstered by advocates like Kenyatta – could secure Pennsylvania’s role as a leader in progressive, inclusive governance.
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