White: 2025-26 State Budget Makes Important Advances in Energy Policy, School Choice
HARRISBURG – The 2025-26 state budget adopted today by the Pennsylvania General Assembly is a major win for working families across our Commonwealth, according to Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia).
White feels the budget strengthens Pennsylvania’s education system through new literacy reforms that ensure every child can read by third grade, expands scholarships so that more students can attend the school that best fits their needs, and advances school choice opportunities across the state.
“We also stopped a proposed 30% energy tax on electric bills and created a stronger foundation for Pennsylvania’s economy by making it easier for energy and technology companies to invest and create good-paying jobs right here at home,” White said.
The $50.1 billion spending plan enhances the economically disadvantaged school (EDS) tax credit, which provides scholarship assistance for students’ tuition if they would be attending schools in districts without robust resources.
It also involves a negotiated agreement that will pull Pennsylvania’s controversial participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which would have imposed a 30% energy tax on families already struggling with expensive electric bills.
“Eliminating the threat of RGGI will help energy producers greatly increase output, hire new workers and help reduce the strain on our power grid,” White said. “Most importantly, eliminating the RGGI energy tax is a critical first step in addressing high energy costs for Pennsylvania families and businesses.”
White expressed frustration that budget talks extended months longer than planned, but she said the final spending plan makes investments in key areas, while addressing energy needs, school choice and benefit integrity to ensure those most vulnerable in our communities are the recipients. Some $21 million was allocated to support home care workers who provide essential care that helps seniors and individuals with disabilities live independently in their own homes.
It also creates the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit to provide a refundable state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, helping to put more money back in the pockets of working families.
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Representative Martina White
170th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717.260.6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
www.RepWhite.com / www.facebook.com/RepMartinaWhite