Nov. 14, 2025
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jake Banta voted “no” on the 2025 General Appropriations bill. Banta called the budget fiscally irresponsible, emphasizing that it spends more than the state’s projected revenue. Banta also addressed, despite his opposition to the overall spending package, key policy victories secured during budget negotiations.
Banta issued the following statement:
“The people of Pennsylvania sent me to Harrisburg to fight for fiscal responsibility, constitutional integrity and working-class values. That is why I voted “no” on the General Appropriations Bill, now known as Act 1A of 2025.
“Let me be clear: this budget spends more than we take in. That is not sustainable, and it’s not responsible. We cannot keep growing government while families across Erie County and the Commonwealth are tightening their belts. I will not support a spending plan that exceeds our revenue and puts future generations deeper into debt.
“When your family is making a budget, you do not plan to spend $60,000 more than you expect to earn in a year. The budget that passed the House yesterday spends $6 billion more than our projected revenue. That is bad fiscal policy, and I could not support it.
“That said, I do want to acknowledge the hard-fought wins that came out of this budget agreement, passed through multiple budget-related bills that I did vote in favor of:
“We are finally getting Pennsylvania out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This cap-and-trade scheme was nothing more than a backdoor tax on energy that would have continued to crush our economy and raised utility bills for working families. I have opposed RGGI from day one, and I am proud to see it gone. Not only is this a win for working families, but it is also a win for Pennsylvania’s economy and ability to attract new and retain old business, and a win for the General Assembly. Former Gov. Tom Wolf entered Pennsylvania into this agreement without authorization from the Legislature. By removing the state from RGGI, the General Assembly has reasserted its authority.
“This budget builds on last year’s permitting reforms by streamlining how state agencies handle applications, making it easier to do business in Pennsylvania. That means fewer delays, less red tape, and more opportunities for small businesses and job creators across the Commonwealth.
“These are important steps I was happy to support, but they do not justify a bloated budget.
“Moving forward, I am planning to introduce legislation to prevent another 135-day budget impasse. Every year, the budget is due on the last day of June. If the budget is not complete by June 30, my legislation would require the General Assembly to remain in Harrisburg until the budget is complete.
“I came to Harrisburg to be a voice for the people of the 4th Legislative District; not for bureaucrats, not for special interests and certainly not for runaway spending. I will continue to fight for limited government, economic freedom and policies that put Pennsylvanians first.”