What AIA Pennsylvania is Tracking in Governor Shapiro’s Budget Proposal

On March 7, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro presented his first budget proposal to the tune of $44.4 billion, emphasizing his vision for “commonsense investments to make Pennsylvania communities safer and healthier, create real opportunity and build an economy that works for all, and ensure every child has access to a quality education.”

AIA Pennsylvania’s government affairs leadership, committee, and task forces will closely monitor the legislature’s review and budget hearings through the start of the fiscal year, July 1, when a spending plan for the state must be in place. Our focus is on the impact of the proposed investments on architects’ practice and business environment, the construction industry, as well as Pennsylvania’s vertical infrastructure, including funding for school construction, environmental impacts, and community revitalization. Below, find the proposed investments and commitments that we will be tracking and, in some instances, advocating for as negotiations on funding and legislation ensue.

Educational Infrastructure 

  • $100 million in matching grants for schools to make environmental repairs and improvements 
  • $100 million in school safety and security grants to address physical safety enhancements and provide security coordinator training
  • $4.2 million to create a Public Library Facilities Improvement Fund to provide rural public libraries access to grant funding for repairs and improvements

The Environment & High-Performance Building 

  • Assumes participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), still under litigation, will yield more than $600 million to invest in greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, and clean/renewable energy programs

Community and Business Development