Harrisburg, Pa. – February 8, 2022 – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) released the following statement in support of Governor Wolf’s 2022-23 budget:

“I support the Governor’s budget to help build a stronger Commonwealth for Pennsylvanians and their families.

This budget provides funding for three of my major initiatives, including education, gun violence prevention, and job training. First, the Governor allocated $1.9 billion for early education, K-12 Schools, and higher education. This will help residents in my district provide their children with a quality education. Students who attend Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education colleges will benefit from a $150 million investment, which will make college more affordable.

Second, the budget provides $35 million in grants through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for community-led gun violence prevention efforts. This funding will help to reduce gun violence in my district and across the Commonwealth. Third, the budget provides $14 million for job training, including $8 million in training through the Workforce and Economic Development Network of Pennsylvania and $6 million for Career and Technical Education, to help workers secure jobs.

In addition, the budget increases the minimum wage in Pennsylvania to $12 per hour, starting on July 1, leading up to $15 in 2028. By raising the minimum wage, over 1 million Pennsylvanians will see a boost in pay. Finally, thanks to the Governor’s successful fiscal management, we have a surplus of $6 billion in American Rescue plan funds, which we can distribute to communities in Pennsylvania who need it the most.

Governor Wolf’s budget is a major victory for Pennsylvanians. We asked for funding to help families and he delivered by exceeding our expectations.

This budget is a moral document that is aligned with my 2022 theme to Love One Another. By investing in Pennsylvanians of all ages and creating a safe Commonwealth, we can drive out hate with love and make our state a better place.”

###