Pugh Reacts to Shapiro’s Proposed 2026-27 Budget

2/3/2026

HARRISBURG –Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) offers the following reaction to today’s budget address from Gov. Josh Shapiro, in which he is proposing a $53.26 billion spending plan, an increase of $2.72 billion from the current fiscal year.

“Once again, the governor is trying to increase our spending, this time by 5.4% over the current year, while projected revenues are only $46.8 billion. State expenditures should never outpace income. His solution to make up for the difference is using $4.58 billion from the state Rainy Day Fund. That is not the answer.

“School funding in Pennsylvania is still unfair. Districts in rural and suburban areas without large commercial tax bases are struggling. That is not equity, and it is not sustainable without tax increases at the local level.

“Unaffordable, irresponsible and misleading spending plans are not welcome here. The people of Pennsylvania deserve a balanced budget that funds the programs we need, and none of those we don’t.”

The governor’s address is just the beginning of the annual state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings to examine the details of the governor’s plan and how state agencies are spending their funding. The hearings begin Feb. 23.

Representative Brenda Pugh
120th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepPugh.com / Facebook.com/RepBrendaPugh