West Central PA News

State Representative Brian Smith (R-Jefferson/Indiana) strongly criticized Governor Josh Shapiro's budget plan for the 2024-25 fiscal year. In a statement, Smith expressed his concerns about the excessive spending proposed by the governor.

Smith pointed out that the Republican-led General Assembly had worked diligently over the past 12 years to develop sensible spending plans and build a healthy surplus and Rainy Day Fund. However, Governor Shapiro's budget plan would rapidly deplete these funds.

"The governor's budget plan increases state spending by more than 8%, reaching a record high of $48.34 billion," Smith stated. "It would spend nearly $16 million of our surplus and Rainy Day Fund over the next few years. We're already facing a structural deficit, and this plan does nothing to address it."

Smith highlighted the importance of the Rainy Day Fund, emphasizing that it exists precisely for uncertain times. He criticized the governor's eagerness to spend the funds, warning that it could undo the progress made through years of sensible budgeting.

"A lot of the governor's proposed spending isn't necessary," Smith remarked. He specifically questioned the need for a statewide office of gun violence prevention, stating that it duplicates the work already being done by prosecutors and police officers.

Another issue that Smith raised was the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). He noted that the Commonwealth is currently unable to collect fees from this program due to a court case questioning its constitutionality. Smith urged the governor to prioritize competitiveness with neighboring Ohio by eliminating RGGI and other cap and invest programs in order to attract more jobs.

While Smith criticized the governor's budget proposal, he acknowledged that it is only the first step in Pennsylvania's budget process. He mentioned that several budget hearings will take place in the coming weeks, and the deadline to finalize the budget is June 30.

It remains to be seen how Governor Shapiro will respond to the concerns raised by Representative Smith and other critics of his budget plan.