West Central PA News

In a statement released today, Senate Republican leaders expressed their concerns over the proposed 2024-25 state budget presented by Governor Josh Shapiro. The budget, which includes a massive $3.2 billion increase in state spending, has raised alarm among Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin.

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward criticized the budget, stating, "Gov. Shapiro’s multibillion-dollar budget proposal reflects an undisciplined strategy that lacks accountability." Ward further argued that the plan would lead to significant tax increases for Pennsylvanians at a time of historic inflation and economic uncertainty.

Echoing these concerns, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman emphasized the need for a fiscally responsible budget that respects taxpayers and their hard-earned money. Pittman stressed the importance of investing in initiatives that increase access to family-sustaining jobs to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin also criticized the budget proposal, warning that it would put the state on a path towards higher taxes and service cuts in the future. Martin emphasized the need for a responsible budget that encourages economic growth and reverses negative economic trends.

The governor's budget represents a 7.1% increase in overall state spending, making it difficult to balance future budgets and maintain the state's Rainy Day Fund savings account. The proposed budget would eliminate the state's current and future budgetary reserves, including the Rainy Day Fund, over the next five years.

Furthermore, the budget's unrealistic spending and revenue projections may result in deep spending cuts and tax increases on Pennsylvanians sooner than anticipated. This approach contradicts the cautious and responsible budgets that Senate Republicans have championed in recent years.

The increased spending in the budget could lead to higher inflation and increased costs for families already struggling with rising expenses. The budget includes a $1.5 billion hike in K-12 education spending, which the governor's own budget office projections show is not sustainable in future years.

Additionally, the budget allocates $127.1 million for the governor's plan to merge the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education with the state's community colleges. It also seeks to increase mass transit funding by over $280 million and proposes a $500 million bond issuance for business sites development. New taxes on adult-use cannabis and skill games are also included in the proposed budget.

Senate Republicans have pledged to closely examine the budget proposal and search for greater efficiencies in the coming months. The Senate Appropriations Committee will begin its series of budget hearings on February 20th to study the budget proposal in detail.

Despite the concerns raised by Senate Republicans, Governor Shapiro's budget proposal will now undergo scrutiny and deliberation in the legislative process. As the budget hearings commence, it remains to be seen how the proposed spending increase will be received and whether adjustments will be made to address the concerns raised by Senate Republicans.