Feb. 04, 2025
HARRISBURG – In response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $51.47 billion proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, Rep. Jeff Olsommer (R-Wayne/Pike) today issued the following statement:
“Common sense tells you that you cannot spend more than what you earn, but unfortunately Gov. Shapiro does not follow suit. Being a responsible financial steward is what this Commonwealth needs, not an eager spender that is squandering the money that House Republicans have built up over the years to protect our citizens in times of economic downturn.
“This proposed budget looks to increase spending by $3.57 billion, yet the Commonwealth will only take in $1.30 billion more in revenue under the current tax structure. This is unsustainable. Our state budget should not be backfilled by depleting our surplus, but that is exactly what is happening here.
“We need to spark more business and manufacturing here in Pennsylvania that can help drive revenue and keep our high school and college graduates here in Pennsylvania, yet Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal aims to eliminate local resource manufacturing and manufacturing tax credit programs. How can we grow our economy and keep wage earners here if there are no incentives to keep them?
“The budget proposal does have a few positive elements, such as increases to fire and emergency medical services personnel, state police cadet classes and education; however, this level of spending will no doubt increase our taxes. Our families cannot afford it, and they deserve better.”
The governor’s address is just the beginning of the annual state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee, of which Olsommer is a member, 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 on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Representative Jeff Olsommer
139th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepOlsommer.com / Facebook.com/RepOlsommer