Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union) attended a joint session of the General Assembly at which Gov. Josh Shapiro presented his budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Flick issued the following statement in response to the governor’s plan:
“Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a state budget that would spend $53.26 billion, an increase of nearly $3 billion, or 5 %, from this year’s budget.
“This is the governor’s wish list, and from here we will work to whittle this down to a more reasonable budget.
“I'm concerned that spending levels proposed are reminiscent of last year's budget proposal, with a heavy reliance on Rainy Day and surplus funds, and taxes on skill games and recreational marijuana. We don't want to go down that same road for a second year.
“I do see some strategic investments to strengthen the workforce, like funding the PA WORKS Program to expand educational opportunities in the skilled and technical trades, in turn alleviating waitlists for students; and offering potential businesses tax credits to help grow the workforce in crucial industries where there are growing shortfalls in skilled workers.
“We want to make the 83rd District attractive for both employers of in-demand jobs and the employees who want to stay here and work.
“Pennsylvanians are facing several critical issues, like childcare shortages, housing insecurity, and a lack of mental health and intellectual disability services. As a member of the House Human Services Committee, these issues are core to my work in Harrisburg, and I'll work to make progress on policies that help bring stability and success to residents in a fiscally responsible way.”
The governor’s address is just the beginning of the annual state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings starting Monday, Feb. 23, to examine the details of the governor’s plan and how state departments and agencies are spending their funding. The General Assembly and governor face a June 30 deadline to finalize the budget.
Representative Jamie Flick
83rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717-772-9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepFlick.com