HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) released the following statement after voting "no" on the 2025–26 Pennsylvania state budget, as House Democrats pushed through
House Bill 1330, the General Appropriations bill.
“This proposal spends too much, lacks transparency and sets up Pennsylvania for long-term fiscal trouble.
“We are being asked to vote on a $50.6 billion spending plan without a full financial sheet, without a tax code and without a fiscal code. That’s not how responsible government works.
“A budget isn’t just about how much money we spend; it’s about how that money is spent and how it impacts our future. Right now, we don’t even have all the documents to make that judgment.
“We are on a path where obligated costs are growing faster than revenue. That leads to one thing: tax hikes. We will eventually be forced to raise the Personal Income Tax or sales tax to cover the gap.
“The Democrats say this budget includes bipartisan priorities. If that were true, we’d see real Republican ideas included, like school choice, serious regulatory reform and protections for our energy industry.
“Instead, we get more government spending with no structural changes. There’s no commitment from the governor not to veto school choice options. That tells me they’re not serious about real education reform.
“We should be investing in career and technical education, giving parents more control over their child’s school, and unlocking Pennsylvania’s energy potential to grow our economy.
“Our PA Prosperity Plan lays out clear steps to grow jobs, reduce government waste and put students first. This budget ignores it entirely.
“This budget is incomplete, unsustainable, irresponsible and still needs major work. Until then, the only responsible vote is ‘no.’”
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
RepBernstine.com