On Saturday, July 9, 2022, Governor Tom Wolf signed a 2022-23 budget that, in his words, “makes a historic $1.8 billion increase in education funding — bringing the total investment my administration has made in education at all levels to more than $3.7 billion.” The historic $1.8 billion investment increase in education is seen as solidifying Gov. Wolf’s commitment to education. In fact, the Wolf Administration has increased education funding by more than $3.7 billion since 2015.

This year’s $1.8 billion increase includes: 

• $525 million increase through the Fair Funding Formula. On average Pennsylvania schools will see their funding increase by 8 percent. 
• $225 million increase for Level Up to provide targeted support to the 100 most in-need school districts, ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has the opportunity to thrive and succeed through equal access to a high-quality education no matter their zip code. 
• $100 million increase for Special Education. 
• $79 million increase for Early Education through Pre-K Counts and Head Start. 
• $220 million for public higher education. 

The budget also includes funding to help make Pennsylvania communities safer through increased security and grassroots violence interruption efforts, including:

• $100 million increase for School Safety Grants to ensure children learn and grow in safe, healthy environments.
•   $50 million for Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention programs to promote grassroots efforts for safer communities. 
• $105 million for violence prevention, public safety, and safer communities. 

To view the press release, click here.