York County House Republicans: Shapiro’s Budget Proposal is Unrealistic, Fiscally Foolish

2/3/2026

HARRISBURG – Citing egregious overspending, York County House Republican lawmakers today issued a joint statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget address. The lawmakers include Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Mike Jones (R-York Township), Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester), Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion) and Marc Anderson (R-Dillsburg).

“During today’s nearly 90-minute budget address, Shapiro unveiled a staggering $53.26 billion spending plan that blatantly ignores Pennsylvania’s financial reality and the priorities of York County residents. His proposal represents a 5.4% increase over the current fiscal year, far outpacing both revenue growth and inflation. To make this work, he would raid $4.8 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, a safeguard built up by Republicans in prior years, that is meant to protect taxpayers during economic downturns.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. The most glaring example of this is his plan to increase public education spending by $884 million, but fails to act on the opportunity for our state to join 30 others for a federal school choice tax credit. This credit could help our students to the tune of $1,700 per student. Year after year, public education funding increases while our proficiency scores do not. Until meaningful, measurable benchmarks are added, we are wasting taxpayer money.

“This budget also mirrors last year’s failed approach. It hinges on revenue from recreational cannabis sales and skill games, policies the General Assembly already rejected. Without those measures, this plan cannot balance and will deepen Pennsylvania’s structural deficit of $4.8 billion. Closing that gap could mean a tax hike of up to $1,500 per family of four. That is not only staggering, it is unacceptable.

“Pennsylvanians deserve a responsible budget that funds what we truly need, not a wish list we can’t afford. Last year, we stood united to hold the line at $47.9 billion because fiscal discipline matters. That call resonated with our constituents, even if Democrats in Harrisburg refused to listen. The lesson is clear: overspending today means higher taxes tomorrow.

“As the budget process unfolds, we will fight for a plan that protects taxpayers and reins in spending. If this administration insists on reckless fiscal policy, we will stand firmly with our constituents and vote against it, but we are hopeful negotiations will bring about a better product for the people of York County.”

York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
Kmorrison@pahousegop.com