Governor Shapiro’s proposed FY26 budget includes a much-needed increase for Adult and Family Literacy. This funding is a significant resource that Literacy Pittsburgh relies on to provide programming to students and to support tutors. In fact, the increase represents the complete restoration of funding to the pre-2007 level of $23 million. (Yes, we’ve been waiting a long time for this increase!)
Please help Literacy Pittsburgh and our adult education colleagues across Pennsylvania build support forthe Governor’s proposed increase. Here is what you can do:
- Send a thank you note to Governor Shapiro, thanking him for his proposed increase. Contact the Governor here.
- Reach out to your State legislators and urge them to support the Governor’s proposed increase in the budget negotiations. Find your legislators here.
Not sure what to say? Here are some points you can include in an email, letter, or phone conversation:
- Urge them to support Governor Shapiro’s proposed $6.4 million (39.4%) increase in the Department of Education’s Adult and Family Literacy line item in the Commonwealth’s FY ‘25-26 budget negotiations.
- Share what resonates most with you about Literacy Pittsburgh’s work.
- With Pennsylvania facing a decline in the number of working-age adults, we must find ways to ensure that no Pennsylvanian is left behind. The 1.6 million working-age adults who struggle with literacy and basic skills, as well as the 627,000 who lack a high school credential, can be part of the solution. All they need is a chance to access educational services to build their skills.
- Adult and Family Literacy education in Pennsylvania is an entry point into the state’s workforce development systems for thousands of Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania’s investment in Adult and Family Literacy education is helping thousands go from learning to earning and contributing to our region’s prosperity.
What not to say: Please avoid sharing opinions about immigration or the current presidential administration.
Find interesting data and stories at the Educate and Elevate website.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
