Source for Photo: Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Pennsylvania state budget proposal would strengthen efforts to reintroduce vocational education into Pennsylvania classrooms, with a $5.5 million boost for Career and Technical Education. (Adobe Stock)- Danielle Smith, Keystone News Service

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed state budget includes a significant increase for public education, to address Pennsylvania’s school funding issues and educator shortage. The proposed budget would boost funding for basic and special education, and the state’s student-teacher stipend program. Pennsylvania State Education Association President Aaron Chapin is praising the commitment to education, and sees the billion-dollar proposal as a vital investment in public schools. Chapin notes an additional 75-million dollars will be distributed to all school districts through the basic education funding formula, which he calls “a big step forward.” The state House and Senate will need to vote on the budget by June.