Ortitay Secures Four Priorities in State Budget, Backs Final Package

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) announced today he supported the newly passed state budget, which includes four provisions he championed, along with major investments in infrastructure and support for longtime state employees. 

“Getting even one priority into a state budget as a member of the minority party is hard,” Ortitay said. “Getting four is rare. This budget shows that when both parties are willing to work together, we can deliver real results for Pennsylvania families, no matter which side of the aisle they stand on.”

The final budget totals $50.85 billion, an increase of roughly $1.8 billion, or 3.7%, over last year. The budget holds the line on taxes, with no new broad-based taxes and no new revenue sources, and spends roughly $2.4 billion less than Gov. Josh Shapiro's original budget proposal in February. Education spending statewide rose by more than $925 million, reaching nearly $20 billion, including a $565 million increase for the Ready to Learn Block Grant, a $58 million increase for Basic Education Funding and a $55 million increase for special education.

School districts across the 46th District will see funding increases as part of this year’s budget, including:

  • South Fayette: $9.32 million total funding (increase of $697,000).
  • Canon-McMillan: $23.09 million total funding (increase of $2.35 million).
  • Chartiers-Houston: $6.6 million total funding (increase of $105,000).
  • Fort Cherry: $8.56 million total funding (increase of $112,000).
  • West Allegheny: $10.98 million total funding (increase of $145,000).

For families across the 46th District, this budget means no new taxes out of their paychecks, more resources to help their kids learn to read, safer and better supported schools, and roads and bridges getting fixed without an added cost to taxpayers.

Ortitay noted this year’s budget reflects the reality of divided government in Harrisburg, with Republicans and Democrats each holding ground in different chambers.

“Neither party got everything it wanted in this budget, and that's exactly how divided government is supposed to work,” Ortitay said.

Literacy Funding

The budget includes $10 million in new literacy funding, building on Ortitay’s ongoing work to improve reading outcomes for Pennsylvania students. Ortitay championed Pennsylvania’s early literacy changes over the last six years, which required evidence-based reading instruction in classrooms across the state and has continued to push for resources that help schools put that law into practice.

“I fought for even more, and I’ll keep pushing for it.” Ortitay said. “But this funding keeps the momentum going for schools and students.”

Eating Disorder Awareness Legislation

The language in Ortitay’s House Bill 190, which requires the departments of Health and Education to develop educational materials on eating disorder awareness and prevention, was in the budget package. The departments will make this information available to schools, parents and school staff statewide. It also creates an Eating Disorder Advisory Committee made up of school counselors, nurses, physicians and treatment professionals from across Pennsylvania to guide those materials and keep them updated.

“Too many families don't know the warning signs until a situation has already become serious,” Ortitay said. “This gives schools and parents the information they need to recognize the signs early.”

Keystone Exam Alternatives Study

Ortitay also secured a provision directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study Pennsylvania’s standardized testing system, including whether exams like the SAT, ACT or Advanced Placement tests could serve as an alternative to the Keystone Exams. The study will examine cost, student participation and the impact of any changes on graduation requirements, with a report due to the Legislature by June 2027.

“Parents, teachers and students have raised real questions about whether the Keystone Exams are the best measure of a student's success.” Ortitay said. “This study lets us look at the facts before making any changes.”

Disability Inclusion Curriculum Pilot

The budget extends Pennsylvania’s Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program for two additional school years. The program teaches students about the political, economic and social contributions of individuals with disabilities. South Fayette Township School District in Ortitay's district was among the first school districts in the state to take part in the program.

“South Fayette was one of the first districts in the state to bring this program into the classroom, and it’s making a difference,” Ortitay said. “Extending it means more students across Pennsylvania get that same opportunity.”

Additional Budget Investments

The budget includes a $775 million fund dedicated to shovel-ready road and bridge projects across the Commonwealth. Ortitay said he will advocate for projects in the 46th District to receive funding as the Commonwealth moves forward with the program.

The budget also increases funding for rape crisis programs by $12 million, nearly doubling last year's support for survivors of sexual assault. It increases the student teacher stipend funding by $10 million and Grow PA Scholarships by $10 million, both aimed at bringing more people into the teaching profession. Funding to combat human trafficking also rises by nearly 36%.

The 46th Legislative District includes South Fayette Township and McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County. It also encompasses Cecil, Chartiers, Mt. Pleasant and North Strabane (Districts 6,7,8 and 9) townships and Canonsburg, Houston and McDonald boroughs in Washington County.



Representative Jason Ortitay
46th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com