Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” first published right here in Philadelphia 250 years ago, argued that some ideas are so rooted in reason and justice that ordinary people recognize them instinctively. Months later, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed, “We hold these truths to be self-evident.” Thirteen years later, the Constitution officially provided the framework for forming “a more perfect Union.”

As a legislator, I continue to be inspired by the spirit of these founding documents and strive to advance the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

I believe Pennsylvania’s new bipartisan budget, signed during America’s 250th anniversary year, reflects that same spirit and adheres to these enduring principles.

Life begins with protecting the health and safety of our communities.

As a nurse practitioner, I know that good health is the foundation upon which everything else is built. That’s why this budget strengthens Medicaid with more than $600 million in additional funding, expands access to mental health care and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, increases support for children, older adults and people with disabilities, and invests in nursing education to strengthen our healthcare workforce. The budget package also includes legislation I worked on to preserve and improve the Gaudenzia Henry Avenue campus, ensuring our community continues to have access to high-quality mental health and recovery services.

Life also means protecting people from harm. This budget continues investments in violence prevention, school safety, law enforcement, new resources to investigate internet predators, and additional support to help houses of worship and nonprofit organizations protect themselves against hate crimes.

Liberty means freedom from exploitation, violence and oppression. Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery that strips people of their most basic freedoms. That’s why this budget includes bipartisan legislation I introduced with state Rep. Regina Young (D-185th District, which includes Philadelphia and Delaware County) requiring hospitality employees across Pennsylvania to receive human trafficking awareness training every two years. Hotel employees are uniquely positioned to recognize the warning signs of trafficking and connect victims with help, protecting some of our commonwealth’s most vulnerable people.

Liberty also means giving people the freedom to live with dignity and independence after a lifetime of service. After years without an adjustment, many retired teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other public servants will finally receive a long-overdue cost-of-living increase that better reflects today’s economy and recognizes decades of service to our communities.

Finally, the pursuit of happiness begins with opportunity.

For many children, that opportunity begins in the classroom. This budget invests nearly $12 billion in public education statewide, including another $157 million for Philadelphia public schools. All of Pennsylvania’s children can get closer to the constitutionally guaranteed “thorough and efficient” education. It expands special education, strengthens early childhood education, supports student teacher stipends, increases financial aid for college students, and includes legislation I introduced with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-184th District, which includes parts of Philadelphia) to create Pennsylvania’s first statewide inventory of school buildings so every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe, healthy classroom.

For working families, the pursuit of happiness also means being able to afford everyday life. This budget continues the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, helping nearly 950,000 families receive almost $200 million in tax relief. It creates a back-to-school sales tax holiday, takes important steps to increase transparency from large electricity users, including data centers, helping protect ratepayers from higher electric bills, and advances legislation I introduced to transfer the former Philadelphia Nursing Home site to the Philadelphia Housing Authority, creating new opportunities for workforce housing.

No budget is ever perfect. I would have liked to see action on my bill to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage, secure dedicated, long-term funding for public transit, and ensure the natural gas industry and the wealthiest Pennsylvanians pay their fair share. Those remain priorities I will continue fighting for.

The Preamble to our Constitution begins with a promise to form “a more perfect Union.” That work is never finished. It advances one law, one budget, and one generation at a time.

Two hundred and fifty years after our nation’s founders declared these truths to be self-evident, our responsibility remains the same: to help ensure that life is healthier, liberty is broader, and the pursuit of happiness is within reach for every Pennsylvanian. This budget is another small step toward that more perfect Union.

Rep. Khan’s district includes Chestnut Hill, East Falls, Manayunk, Roxborough and Wissahickon.