May. 30, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) offered eight amendments to the proposed state budget bill for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Bernstine’s proposed amendments would have saved the Commonwealth more than $52 million; however, House Democrats defeated each of his proposals.
The amendments cut operating costs for the office of the governor; office of the lieutenant governor; departments of human services, and labor and industry; and the Supreme, Superior, Commonwealth and Philadelphia municipal courts.
“Government needs to tighten its belt and not just continue to ask for more money without making cost-saving changes,” Bernstine said. “Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal spends too much and exhausts the state’s surplus without taking a good look at where cuts can be made. I am focused on making sure it’s a responsible product for the taxpayers.”
Last week, House Democrats started the process of advancing the governor’s $45.8 billion proposal that increases spending by $2.5 billion, or 6%, over the current year.
“Pennsylvania’s budget requires discipline that continues to move the Commonwealth toward a path of economic recovery, stability and success, not a budget that saddles our families and future generations with more debts and obligations,” said Bernstine. “This budget does nothing to prepare the Commonwealth for the turbulent economic climate many economists are predicting. This is not the time to expand government and introduce new spending initiatives.”
A new state budget must be passed and signed into law each year by the governor by June 30 to set spending on everything from education and health care to economic development and public safety for the next 12 months.
Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
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