Pennsylvania: 'Dramatic increase in the number of students with disabilities, especially autism spectrum disorder'
- The end of childhood
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Feb 4, 2026, Fox56, Education leaders react to Shapiro's budget proposal, increases education by 8%
In November, Pennsylvania ended a budget impasse that dragged on for more than four months, now Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled his proposed spending plan for the 2026–2027 fiscal year. While education leaders across the Commonwealth welcome increased funding for schools and workforce programs, many say lingering concerns, including flat funding for community colleges and the risk of another budget delay, could once again put students and districts in a difficult position.
Governor Josh Shapiro is calling his proposed $53.26 billion budget a historic investment in education, workforce development, and student well-being. The plan represents a 6.33 percent increase over the current budget and would raise total education spending by more than 8 percent, bringing it to $20.65 billion statewide.
Basic education funding would increase by $50 million, reaching $8.31 billion, while special education funding would also rise by $50 million, totaling $1.58 billion. . . .
While district leaders are encouraged by increases to basic and special education funding, they say rising student needs, particularly in special education, continue to outpace available resources.
“The state of Pennsylvania is seeing a dramatic increase in the number of students coming in with disabilities, especially autism spectrum disorder. We really don’t have the funding in that area to meet the need we’re seeing, especially in those developmental K-through-2 years," said Dr. Keating. . . .
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