Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion state budget proposal outlined Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly:
“Once again, the governor has proposed spending more than we have. After draining the surplus to cover the current year’s budget, he is now seeking to use more than half of our state’s emergency savings by taking $4.58 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to help pay for his plan. He is also relying on legalizing recreational marijuana and taxing skill games to make his budget balance.
“These proposals have been non-starters in the General Assembly, and the Rainy Day Fund will quickly run dry at this rate of spending. It’s time for a different approach.
“We need a budget that is focused on growth and economic development. We took steps in that direction with passage of the current year’s plan, which implemented some permitting reforms and removed the state from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative to help encourage investment in our energy sector.
“Now, we need to continue that work to unleash the full potential of our energy industry to create quality job opportunities and meet growing needs for power here and in our surrounding states. A robust and reliable energy supply will lower costs for consumers and make our state a desirable location for a variety of industries and employers.
“Growing our economy ensures we will have the revenue needed to invest in government’s core responsibilities, such as education, rural health care, and public safety and emergency services. These are important quality-of-life factors that play a key role in the Commonwealth’s future success.
“Ultimately, this is just the start of the state budget process, and we will assess the details of the governor’s plan in the weeks ahead. As is always the case, I will again advocate for a budget that addresses the needs of our rural communities and respects the taxpayers who foot the bill.”
Over the next few weeks, Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate will conduct a series of hearings with state agencies to dig into the details of his plan. Members will use that information to craft a final spending plan. A final budget is due by June 30.
Representative Martin T. Causer
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
RepCauser.com / Facebook.com/RepCauser