Pennsylvania State Government and Philadelphia

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is the source of Philadelphia's legal powers and a major funder of its schools, transit, health and human services, and courts. The relationship is shaped by the fact that Philadelphia is a municipality created under state law, with a home rule charter that the state constitution and statutes bound (see Home Rule Limits and State Preemption).^[1]

1 The General Assembly

Pennsylvania's House and Senate pass the laws that define Philadelphia's authority: tax enabling acts, preemption statutes, election law, landlord-tenant law, labor law and the creation of authorities. Philadelphia's members make up a significant bloc of the Democratic caucuses (see Philadelphia Congressional and State Delegation), but control of one or both chambers has often rested with Republicans representing other parts of the state. The legislature has at times used its power to override or constrain city policy, for example by preempting gun regulation, and in 2022 the state House impeached District Attorney Larry Krasner; the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled in September 2024 that the articles of impeachment were null and void because the process could not carry over to a new legislative session.^[2]

2 The governor and agencies

The governor, Josh Shapiro as of 2026, proposes the state budget and signs or vetoes bills. State agencies such as the Department of Education, Department of Human Services, Department of Health, Department of Environmental Protection and PennDOT regulate city programs and fund them. The Public Utility Commission regulates the Philadelphia Gas Works rates. State-run bodies such as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission or the Department of State (which oversees election administration alongside the City Commissioners) also affect residents daily.

3 Money flows

Pennsylvania signed a $50.85 billion 2026-27 budget on July 12, 2026. Mayor Cherelle Parker's office said it delivered more than $157 million in additional funding for the School District of Philadelphia, and the budget moved some sales-tax revenue toward transit, though a permanent long-term funding fix for SEPTA was reported as unfinished.^[3] The state also funds child welfare, Medicaid-related health services, courts, and capital projects. Philadelphia's own revenue depends on state authorization (see Philadelphia Taxes). Budget impasses in Harrisburg can delay money to schools and nonprofits.

4 Courts

Philadelphia's trial courts, the Court of Common Pleas and Municipal Court, are part of the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, funded largely through the state and the city and supervised by the state Supreme Court (see First Judicial District). Appeals go to the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court and then to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has also ruled on major disputes between the city and the legislature.

5 Oversight and friction

The legislature created PICA in 1991 to oversee city finances during a fiscal crisis, a function it retains while city bonds are outstanding. It appoints board majorities or sets structures for authorities, and it set the 2018 end of the School Reform Commission, after which the mayor began appointing the Board of Education. Tensions arise on guns, education funding, transit, and policing and prosecution. The city lobbies in Harrisburg and also relies on state partners in the delegation.

See also: Federal Government and Philadelphia, Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, Philadelphia District Attorney's Office.

References

1. Pennsylvania Constitution; Pennsylvania General Assembly (legis.state.pa.us); First Class City Home Rule Act.
2. Pennsylvania Capital-Star, "Court rules Pa. Senate cannot hold trial on articles of impeachment against Philly DA Larry Krasner" (September 2024); WHYY coverage.
3. City of Philadelphia, "Statement of Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on passage of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's 2026-2027 budget" (July 15, 2026); MyChesCo, "Pennsylvania enacts $50.85B budget, avoids tax hike."