West Central PA News

Pennsylvania House Republican leaders have expressed their concerns over Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. They argue that the plan is based on unsustainable spending increases and an unnecessary expansion of government.

House Republican Leader Jesse Topper stated, "Here is what we can say with certainty about the governor’s proposed budget – this will not be the final product: It spends too much, it grows government too much and is unsustainable in the future." He emphasized the need for policies that foster economic growth through Pennsylvania's energy sector to balance current and future budgets.

Echoing these sentiments, House Republican Whip Tim O’Neal criticized the governor's approach as a "tax-and-spend agenda" and advocated for investment in Pennsylvania’s energy industry. O'Neal remarked, "That starts with investing in Pennsylvania’s energy industry, which will not only bring utility costs down but generate millions more in revenue than any tax dreamed up by the governor."

House Republican Appropriations Chairman Jim Struzzi also labeled Shapiro's budget proposal as unsustainable. He noted, "What concerns me most is the governor’s failure to propose – or remove – the policies needed to unleash Pennsylvania’s energy industry." Struzzi assured that during upcoming budget hearings, House Republicans would work diligently to analyze Shapiro's proposal and seek common ground to achieve a sustainable and responsible budget.