Over the weekend, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion 2026-27 Budget. Legislators tackled issues like public safety, public education, and preserving educational choice programs, while leaving Pennsylvania’s long term structural deficit unresolved. Yet, one question was left unresolved by Harrisburg:
What is Pennsylvania doing for the next generation expected to build its future?
Generation Z is entering the work force during one of the toughest economic times in decades. They grew up hearing that if they worked hard, got a degree or learned a trade, and found a good job, they could buy a home, start a family, and build a life. But now, many young Pennsylvanians find those goals feel more out of reach than ever.
One attempt to address this issue was by increasing funding for public education, career and technical education programs, and the SHINE After School Program. It also preserves funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, expanding educational opportunities for many students and families.
Investing in education is a good instinct. But Harrisburg has yet to crack the code on how they can ensure graduates continue to succeed.
College graduates leave school with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Those who start working often find that salaries haven’t kept up with inflation or the rising cost of living.
Buying a house feels out of reach because home prices in places like Southeastern Pennsylvania continue to rise. Property taxes are continuously raised in suburban areas like Delaware County, where people are asked to pay more even as they earn less, and basic costs and inflation keep climbing.
This year, the budget raised funding for the Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) program to $90 million to help with these costs. While this will help some families, the eligibility rules are strict, and only a small number of Pennsylvanians will benefit.
After graduation, many Pennsylvania students move away to find better business climates, lower housing costs, and more job opportunities. This trend is toxic to new graduates and skilled workers who want to remain in their state. This means loss of innovation and opportunity, while at the same time taking a knife to Pennsylvania’s future revenue.
The cost of living crisis is a national problem, but Pennsylvania has missed chances to make itself more competitive. Too often, policymakers add more government programs instead of tackling the real costs that push young people away. Short-term subsidies can’t replace policies that make it easier to earn a living, save money, and become financially independent.
Pennsylvania spends billions to educate students, but invests much less in giving them reasons to stay.
If lawmakers really want to strengthen our schools, they also need to make Pennsylvania a place where graduates can build their futures. That requires more than funding education.The Commonwealth’s greatest asset isn’t its budget. It’s the people who live here.
