Sen. Lisa M. Boscola celebrated the recently finalized 2023-24 state budget, that freed critical funding for education, child care and mental health programs in the Lehigh Valley and across the commonwealth.

The finalized school code (Act 33/Act 35) and fiscal code (Act 34), signed by Gov. Shapiro, deliver substantial investments in key areas:

– A $175 million boost for public school facility improvements,

– $261.6 million in community college funding,

– $83.3 million (2023-24) and $124.9 million (2024-25) in child care tax credits, benefiting over 200,000 Pennsylvania families, and

– $100 million dedicated to K-12 Mental Health programs.

Sen. Boscola, recognizing the extended budget process, commented, “I was proud to support the final spending bills that came together in the end, addressing crucial needs for our communities.”

The K-12 Mental Health initiative, derived from the $100 million allocation, will disburse funds equitably among school districts, prioritizing students’ mental well-being. The allocation also supports school-based mental health internship programs, reinforcing professional development.

Boscola said, “We invested taxpayer dollars back into our community’s health and well-being with this budget, putting our children in a better place to learn and succeed.”

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