Blog
Budget Update: What Families and Providers Need to Know
A Second Chance, Inc. is committed to keeping our community informed about key state and federal budget decisions that affect the families we serve.
Federal Budget
The federal government has reopened under a continuing resolution through January 30, 2026, with full-year funding approved for the Departments of Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and the Legislative Branch through September 2026.
Because SNAP is funded through Agriculture, SNAP benefits are fully secured through September 30, 2026. Pennsylvania has confirmed that all back SNAP payments have now been issued.
However, additional federal agencies remain unfunded beyond January, meaning another potential shutdown could occur if Congress does not act by January 30.
Pennsylvania State Budget
Governor Shapiro has signed the 2025–26 state budget, which includes:
- A new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit
- $500 million for Pennsylvania’s lowest-resourced school districts
- A 15% increase for the State Food Purchase Program and $7 million more for farmers market vouchers
- Investments in the child care workforce
- Modest increases in veterans’ benefits
Some concessions were also made, including blocking participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and adopting language to “limit cost increases” in human services programs—an area we continue to monitor.
State funding is expected to begin flowing to counties in the coming weeks.
Our Commitment
We are grateful to our partners—and especially to families—for their patience during this period of uncertainty. We also extend thanks to the United Way and Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for supporting families during the recent food-access challenges.
A Second Chance, Inc. will continue sharing updates as more information becomes available.