Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG – Leaders of the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus Tuesday responded to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget proposal with the following comments:
House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton):
“As with past budget proposals from this administration, the product unveiled today spends too much, grows government too much and relies too much on unsustainable sources of revenue. I am also deeply concerned about the illegitimate use of the Rainy Day Fund to create a $100 million slush fund that obscures the lines of federalism.
“Our number one priority must be providing the foundation for substantial economic growth in the Commonwealth to balance any future state budgets. We also must begin—right now—the hard work of reducing the size and scope of government so we do not continue to take too much from hardworking Pennsylvania taxpayers who are already struggling to make ends meet.”
House Republican Whip Tim O’Neal (R-Washington):
“The affordability crisis is real and people are struggling. This proposal by Gov. Shapiro is irresponsible and will contribute to rising costs across the state. We cannot continue to rely on new taxes and accounting tricks to fill in the gaps. The only way to raise revenue without digging deeper into the pockets of Pennsylvanians is to inject new life into our state’s economy. Get government out of the way by making it easier for people to save money, get to work and earn in Pennsylvania.”
House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana):
“The governor’s proposal today is just the start of the budget process. This $53.26 billion budget is an increase of $2.72 billion, or 5.4%, over the current fiscal year. I have major concerns not just on the spending side, but also on the revenue proposals and fiscal solvency of the Commonwealth in future years. I look forward to our three weeks of budget hearings to review this budget line-by-line and work toward a comprise budget that meets the needs of all Pennsylvanians.”
Republican Leader Jesse Topper
78th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives