Walsh Reacts to Governor’s Proposed State Budget

2/4/2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-Luzerne) issued this statement following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address before the General Assembly on Tuesday:

“Simply put, this budget proposal is seeking to spend far more that the state has in revenue. It is basic math. He is proposing a spending increase of 5.4%, but the only way he can reach that number is by taking nearly 60% of the money in the state’s Rainy Day Fund, along with imposing taxes on skill games, legalizing recreational marijuana and raising the state’s minimum wage to $15 an hour.

“First, the Rainy Day Fund is meant for unexpected emergencies, not balancing the budget. Second, trying to help balance the budget long term on things like skill games and marijuana sales is ridiculous. We were also told property taxes would be reduced when slot machines were legalized in the state; yet, here we are still trying desperately to control property taxes while more and more people become addicted to gambling. I could never support a plan that is banking on destructive behavior to pave the way to perceived financial success.

“I look forward to the upcoming budget hearings and learning what each state agency truly needs to maintain essential services and where they think they can produce savings.

“This is only a starting point for budget negotiations, so I am hopeful we can get this number down to a more manageable figure.”

Representative Jamie Walsh
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
RepWalsh.com / Facebook.com/RepJamieWalsh