Nelson: Shapiro’s Budget is More of the Same

2/4/2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) issued the below statement following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday:

“Government must live within its means, and our citizens deserve a timely budget. Unfortunately, Gov. Shapiro proposes big overspending again. His proposal spends $6.4 billion more than we have, and our $8 billion surplus was spent last year. Now, he seeks to raid our Rainy Day Fund, provide marijuana for all and tax gambling machines in non-casinos at 52%. We can see where overspending is taking us, and once our Rainy Day Fund is exhausted, we may be looking at a massive tax increase on working families.

“Habitual overspending weighs heavy in years to come. With the Rainy Day Fund squandered, there won’t be enough marijuana to consume to make up for Harrisburg’s overspending. We must tighten the belt now to avoid significant cuts or tax increase later.

“The governor’s budget does propose positive investments, including hiring 380 more state police as well as prioritizing K-12 education. His acknowledgement of the role that private industry plays in job creation is encouraging and I hope he will continue to recognize that industries and economies grow and create new jobs despite government, not because of it.

“We must keep working through the budget process and reach agreement without a long budget impasse. What happened last year was a terrible example of Harrisburg’s inefficiency. Pennsylvania can do better.”

Representative Eric Nelson
57th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
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