Kutz: State Budget Delivers for Cumberland County by Investing in Education, Supporting First Responders

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG— The General Assembly on Sunday approved a $50.8 billion state budget that strengthens investments in education and supports first responders, according to Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland), a member and subcommittee chair of the House Appropriations Committee.

The 2026-27 budget provides meaningful increases in education funding for every school district in Cumberland County. It also establishes a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for pre-Act 9 retirees, including municipal police and firefighters. The budget also reflects substantial investments in roads and bridges, provides support for Career and Technical Education, improves access and staffing for childcare, aids efforts to prevent human trafficking, and invests in school facilities. These investments are made while preserving all of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, a key safeguard for crises and economic downturns.

“This year’s budget is balanced, protects the Rainy Day Fund, and invests in our communities, our schools, and our first responders,” Kutz said. “This budget importantly avoids any new taxes—a top priority of mine and for families in Cumberland County.”

“By investing in our communities and families, we can continue making Cumberland County and Pennsylvania great places to live, work, and raise a family. I am proud to support a budget that does just that,” Kutz added.

Questions about the state budget can be directed to Kutz’s office at 717-975-2235.

Representative Thomas Kutz
87th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
kmorrison@pahousegop.com
RepKutz.com / Facebook.com/RepKutz