Many Pennsylvania education programs got a funding boost this week, after the final budget code bills were passed. But at least one action line is focused on even earlier years.

Pennsylvania's Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit got an increase and an upgrade.

The credit is for families who use child or dependent care because they work. A family can get anywhere from $600 to $1,050 credited OR refunded in their state taxes for a single child. That leaps to $1200 to 2100 for two or more dependents.

The refund is a new addition to the state.

Before, families could lower their taxes with the credit, but would not get money back. Over 200,000 Pennsylvania families used the credit in 2022.

David González, CEO of the St. Martin Center and their Learning Center, shared that they recently polled families. Many shared they struggle with medical expenses, as well as diapers, wipes, clothes, and other necessities.

"Many of our kids are in need of those basic things that many of us take for granted," said González. "So extra cash can definitely help with that."

Politically, Representative Ryan Bizzarro of Erie referenced the credit upgrade as a unifying item in this week's budget talks.

"It's pro-worker and its actually pro-business at the same time," said Bizzarro. "So it's one of the few times both interests are on the same page, and it's good for working families in Pennsylvania."

This weeks funding bills also released $175 million towards school building upgrades gave an additional $150 million to Educational Improvement Tax Credits (EITC), and established a stipend for student teachers.

For an online reference to some of the state's major budget points for 2023/24, click here.

For an online reference to the exact programs and money allotted to those programs in the three bills passed this week, click below: