Press Releases

ICYMI: Governor Shapiro, DHS Secretary Arkoosh Travel the Commonwealth to Meet with Pennsylvanians with ID/A and Hear how the Governor’s Historic Budget Proposal Would Expand ID/A Services

From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, the Governor and Secretary Arkoosh have traveled across the Commonwealth meeting with Pennsylvanians with ID/A, caregivers, and advocates to hear how the 2024-25 budget will support more Pennsylvanians and direct support professionals. The Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposes $483 million to increase reimbursement rates for direct support professionals […]

ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Announces Pennsylvania Will Reduce Reliance on Standardized Testing, Calls for “Less Testing, More Learning” to Help Students and Teachers Succeed

“The Governor’s plan to streamline how we administer standardized tests throughout the commonwealth will reduce our reliance on PSSAs and Keystone exams while ensuring students and teachers have the flexibility they need to be successful.” – Senator Wayne Fontana “It was an honor to welcome Governor Shapiro to the Northgate School District, and we are […]

WATCH: What Pennsylvanians with ID/A, Caregivers, and Advocates Are Saying About Governor Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Investments for ID/A Services  

“I am hopeful for Pennsylvania’s future when I see people in positions of power taking action that is effective now. This will be a game changer. Thank you, Governor Shapiro, thank you.”  Harrisburg, PA – Since Governor Josh Shapiro proposed critical investments in the 2024-25 budget that will expand services for Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities […]

Less Testing, More Learning: Governor Shapiro Takes Action to Reduce Reliance on Standardized Testing, Help More Students and Teachers Succeed

At the Governor’s direction, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will implement a three-part plan to overhaul Pennsylvania’s state assessment system that includes moving PSSA and Keystone testing online. These changes will save Pennsylvania millions of dollars, reduce the burden on students, families, and teachers, shorten the time students spend taking tests, and ensure schools […]

Governor Shapiro, DHS Secretary Arkoosh Hear from Pennsylvanians with ID/A, Caregivers, and Advocates About How Historic Budget Proposal Would Expand ID/A Services

The Governor visited BARC Development Services in Warminster to hear how his proposed budget investments would address the workforce shortage of direct support professionals and help more Pennsylvanians with ID/A receive the home and community-based services they need, when they need them. The Governor’s 2024-25 budget proposes $483 million to support reimbursement rates for direct […]