Nov. 12, 2025
HARRISBURG— State Rep. Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion) released the following statement after she voted against final passage of the 2025-26 state budget,
Senate Bill 160:
“When I took office in 2023, I promised the residents of District 94 that I would never agree to a budget that spends beyond our means. Despite some Republican policy wins outlined in the final compromise, I still had to honor that promise and vote ‘no.’
“Earlier in the budget cycle, I advocated for a responsible budget that held the line at $47.9 billion in spending. While that message resonated with many Pennsylvanians, it did not garner much popularity among Democrats in Harrisburg. I could not, in good conscience, vote to approve a $50.1 billion budget. This budget funds many unnecessary programs, which I feel my constituents should not be required to pay for.
“The one major victory in this budget deal, is Pennsylvania’s withdrawal from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This is important for two reasons. Not only does it end an unnecessary $1 billion tax that inflated consumer energy bills; it also reasserts the power of the General Assembly by putting the power back in the hands of the people. Former Gov. Tom Wolf entered Pennsylvania into this energy compact without prior legislative approval. We’ve suffered the consequences of that decision for too long. It’s time to unleash Pennsylvania’s full energy potential and grow our energy markets. This is one aspect of the budget I am proud to support.
“Despite our withdrawal from RGGI, I had to honor the expectations of my constituents and vote against the 2025-26 budget. I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating. Government must learn from those it serves and budget within the state’s means. No budget is perfect, but my constituents deserve and expect better of their elected officials. I will not abandon their fiscal values to approve a spend-heavy budget.”
Representative Wendy Fink
94th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
Kmorrison@pahousegop.com
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