Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG – Today, state Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier (R-Cumberland) issued a statement detailing her reaction to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget address:
“Today, the governor proposed a hefty $53.26 billion spending plan that, frustratingly, neglects Pennsylvania’s financial reality and the needs of the 88th District. The governor consistently touted his priority of affordability, yet this proposed budget is not affordable to the Pennsylvania taxpayer. His proposal would increase spending by an unsustainable 5.4% over the current fiscal year, which exceeds both revenue growth and the rate of inflation. It would also require transferring $4.8 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, a state savings account the Legislature has built up in prior fiscal years to safeguard against economic downturns.
“Like last year’s proposal, this budget would rely on new taxes and fees generated by the sale of recreational adult use cannabis and skill games. These are policies the General Assembly rejected in Fiscal Year 2025-26. Without legislative approval on these two issues, the governor can’t pay for his budget proposal, adding to Pennsylvania’s structural deficit of about $4.8 billion.
“Thankfully, the governor’s budget address merely marks a starting point. Now that we’ve heard his requests, the nitty gritty work of crafting a more responsible budget can begin. In three weeks, the House Appropriations Committee will begin hearing testimony from state agency leaders about their funding requests, and we will work toward a compromise.
“From funding increases for the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), dollars for four new Pennsylvania State Police cadet classes, and bolstering education funding, the governor and I share some of the same priorities. However, the overall spending level remains unsustainable. Proposing new initiatives with no way to pay for them is not good policy. Both parties must negotiate to prevent passing these costs onto taxpayers.
“I look forward to doing my part to advance responsible budget solutions over the next several months. I will not support a budget that penalizes 88th District families and taxpayers.”
Questions about the budget or any state-related matter may be directed to Delozier’s district office at 717-761-4665.
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
Kmorrison@pahousegop.com
RepDelozier.com / Facebook.com/RepDelozier