C3 | From Proposal to Passage: Navigating the PA State Budget Process

Pennsylvania’s state budget shapes critical decisions about funding, services, and resources for our communities. For nonprofits working in health and human services, understanding how those decisions are made—and when advocacy can make a difference—is essential.

This practical session breaks down Pennsylvania’s budget process, from the Governor’s proposal to final passage, and explains the key players, decisions, and opportunities for advocacy along the way. We’ll translate the jargon, explore what makes Pennsylvania’s budget process unique, and identify concrete strategies nonprofits can use to influence budget priorities at each stage.

Whether you’re new to advocacy or looking to sharpen your approach for the 2027 budget cycle, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the process and how to make your organization’s voice heard when it matters most.

Thursday, January 28
12:00-1:15pm
Zoom

Who Is This For?

All Nonprofit Professionals

What You’ll Take Away

• Understand the process: Learn the key stages of Pennsylvania’s budget cycle, from the Governor’s proposal through legislative negotiations and final passage.
• Know the players: Identify the key decision-makers who shape the budget and understand how your Bucks and Montgomery County legislators’ committee and leadership assignments can influence budget decisions and inform your advocacy efforts.
• Recognize opportunities for influence: Discover when and how nonprofits can engage throughout the budget process to communicate their priorities and make their advocacy more timely and effective.

Meet the Trainer

Aaron Zappia
Associate
Long Nyquist & Associates

Aaron Zappia has two decades of experience serving in legislative, political, and government relations roles with expertise in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Working for over a decade in the Senate of Pennsylvania for the late Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf, Aaron helped lead efforts to pass landmark legislation including the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008 and the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2012.

Most recently, as Director of Government Affairs for the Housing Alliance of PA, Zappia lobbied for historic state investments in affordable housing, blight remediation, increases to the state housing trust fund, and creating the first ever Whole Home Repair Program.

Aaron resides in Bucks County with his wife and son. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing and spending time with his family.