It’s been over 90 days since Pennsylvania’s fiscal year began—and still, no state budget has been passed. While lawmakers delay and negotiate behind closed doors, schools are missing billions in funding, counties are running out of money, and vital human services are on the verge of collapse.

This isn’t just a political disagreement—it’s a crisis for families across the Commonwealth.

School districts are now bracing for a second missed state payment totaling $1.3 billion. That’s on top of the funds already withheld in August. Many districts will be forced to borrow just to keep the lights on, pay teachers, and avoid cutting programs that students rely on. At the same time, counties are preparing for layoffs and cuts to essential services like child welfare, behavioral health, and in-home care for seniors and people with disabilities.

This is not sustainable—and it’s not acceptable.

We’re calling on Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to act now by immediately releasing education and human services funding while broader budget negotiations continue. Our schools and communities should not be held hostage by political gridlock.

Every day of delay puts more pressure on our most vulnerable neighbors and pushes our public systems closer to the brink. Kids shouldn’t lose classroom time. Families shouldn’t lose access to life-saving support. Local governments shouldn’t be forced into mass furloughs.

It’s time for our elected officials to stop pointing fingers and start protecting the people they were elected to serve. Pennsylvania families need action—not excuses.

Sign this petition to demand an immediate release of critical education and human services funding in Pennsylvania.