Gov. Shapiro Approves SEPTA Funding Amidst Pennsylvania Budget Negotiations

SEPTA Funding Approval

• 📌 Gov. Shapiro directed Secretary Carol to approve SEPTA's request to use nearly $400 million of capital dollars for operating expenses.
• 💡 This action will preserve service for approximately 800,000 Pennsylvanians for the next two years.
• ⚠️ The decision comes after SEPTA cuts led to increased late arrivals and absenteeism in Philadelphia schools.

Budget Negotiation Stalemate

• 🎯 Shapiro has repeatedly called on the legislature to pass recurring revenue, a request that has gone unaddressed for over two budget cycles.
• 🏛️ The Senate Republicans, holding the majority, have been unwilling to pass recurring revenue, with the appropriations committee chairman stating a long-term solution is unlikely.
• 🚫 The Senate's proposal, deemed flawed, would have required mass transit systems to use their current capital funding and diverted transit funds to road and bridge repair.

SEPTA's Path Forward

• 🛠️ The approved funding allows SEPTA to use $394 million of future capital dollars for operations over the next two years.
• 🌱 This two-year window is intended to allow new leadership at SEPTA to implement reforms and create efficiencies.
• 📈 SEPTA will be required to report periodically to PennDOT on the changes and progress made towards greater efficiencies.

Broader Budget and Future Concerns

• 💰 Shapiro urged the state Senate to finalize the budget, emphasizing the need to fund schools, mental health services, police, and veterans.
• 🛣️ While acknowledging the need for road and bridge repair, Shapiro stressed that transit funds should not be diverted for these purposes.
• 🌍 Looking ahead, Shapiro expressed concerns about the impact of federal immigration and tariff policies on tourism and the cost of living, particularly in anticipation of the 2026 celebrations.
• 🛡️ He also stated readiness to counter any federal attempts to deploy the National Guard in Pennsylvania against his will.