Nov. 12, 2025
HARRISBURG – The 2025-26 state budget adopted today by the Pennsylvania General Assembly establishes unsustainable spending levels that set the stage for future tax increases, according to Rep. Scott Barger (R-Blair/Huntingdon).
The $50.1 billion spending plan further depletes the already-hemorrhaging Rainy Day Fund that serves as the state’s savings account.
“I voted ‘no’ on today’s budget-related bills, even though there are good proposals contained in some of them. The bottom line is that a 4.7% increase in overall spending creates a dangerous precedent,” Barger said, noting he was frustrated the budget wasn’t finalized before its July 1 deadline.
One silver lining of budget negotiations, Barger said, is that Gov. Josh Shapiro agreed to end his quest to enroll Pennsylvania in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cap-and-trade program that requires companies to buy carbon allowances or permits. Those costs would have been passed on to consumers who already have skyrocketing power bills.
Barger hopes regulatory reforms combined with the eliminated threat of RGGI create an opportunity for energy producers to greatly increase output, hire workers, reinvigorate the economy and meet the technology sector’s growing electricity needs.
Editor’s Note: Video remarks are available for your use.
You can download the file here.
Representative Scott Barger
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
jfitch@pahousegop.com
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