May. 05, 2025
In response to the Commonwealth’s multi-year budget surplus and the continued growth of the Rainy Day Fund, Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) has introduced
House Bill 1362 to establish the 2025 Taxpayer Surplus Refund Program, aimed at returning excess state revenues directly to taxpayers.
“Over the past several fiscal years, Pennsylvania has worked hard to create a substantial surplus” said Gaydos. “Rather than use these funds to create new, unsustainable government programs that would burden taxpayers for years to come, we should return the surplus to the Pennsylvania taxpayers
“It is fiscally irresponsible to use a one-time budget surplus to create new and recurring obligations the state cannot sustain long term. That’s how you end up with future debt, tax increases and a bloated government. Taxpayers deserve their money back to do as they please,” said Gaydos.
The proposed legislation would create a one-time refund program to distribute surplus dollars fairly among residents. Depending on the final surplus amount, each eligible taxpayer could receive hundreds of dollars in refunds.
Gaydos criticized the governor’s recent budget proposal, which includes using the state surplus and Rainy Day Fund monies to fund new expenses. The purpose of Pennsylvania's Rainy Day Fund, formally known as the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund, is to serve as a safety net and buffer against unexpected revenue shortfalls. It is not intended to create new expenses.
If the governor won’t safeguard our reserves, then we should return them to taxpayers, who can use the money for their own emergencies,” added Gaydos.
House Bill 1362 is currently awaiting committee referral.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com
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