West Central PA News

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman has expressed concerns over Governor Shapiro's recent Executive Order on state government employment. In a statement, Pittman emphasized the importance of hiring qualified individuals without the need for an Executive Order. He highlighted the public's demand for reducing waste, fraud, and abuse in government.

Pittman also pointed to the ongoing federal debate in Washington, D.C., which aims to provide long-term stability for the nation. He suggested that this debate underscores the necessity for Pennsylvania to control its spending at the state level. Pittman criticized Gov. Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal, which increases spending by $3.6 billion from the current year’s budget, as not being a feasible solution to address the state's structural deficit.

"We must be thoughtful and deliberative when looking to fill state positions," Pittman stated. "Cutting waste, fraud and abuse from government is something an overwhelming number of taxpayers have been vocal about supporting across all levels of government."

He further commented on Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal: "As details are being closely examined, it is clear Gov. Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget proposal increasing spending by $3.6 billion from the current year’s budget is not a realistic path to close the state’s multi-billion-dollar structural deficit."