Counties Respond to Governor Shapiro's Budget Proposal

Following Governor Shapiro’s budget address on Tuesday, Pennsylvania counties were encouraged by the governor recognizing the vital role that county mental health services play in the commonwealth. Counties also appreciate Governor Shapiro acknowledging the serious impact last year’s budget impasse had on Pennsylvanians and for convening the legislative leaders this week to begin the budget process for this fiscal year.  

This acknowledgement is greatly appreciated as counties are steadfast in their request for a $40 million increase to help maintain and rebuild the existing safety net of services.  

As noted in their priorities announcement last week at the Capitol, counties support a continued, substantial investment of state dollars to rebuild and strengthen community crisis services, residential mental health programs and other locally provided care that will stabilize mental health services and assist hospitals with capacity concerns.

The county mental health system has been on the brink of collapse for years, and counties are scrambling to keep essential operating and adequately staffed.   

Without sustained investments, these programs, and our residents, will continue to struggle. Counties are seeing costs increase, wait times grow, demand for services skyrocket and workforces dwindle while mental health funding continues to fall short.   

Pennsylvania counties strongly urge the governor and members of the general assembly to engage county leaders to discuss sufficient mental health funding support in the 2026-2027 state budget.