Feb. 04, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.26 billion budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
“The governor’s plan increases spending by 5.4% while revenues grow at only 1.9%, creating a risk of significant deficits and future tax hikes.
“Pennsylvanians deserve a balanced budget that funds essential services without overburdening taxpayers.
“Currently, the proposal falls short by $6.4 billion and relies on $1.8 billion in new taxes and fees. It also drains the Rain Day Fund by 60% and sets Pennsylvanians up for future deficits. Hard-working families will almost certainly face painful cuts or higher taxes.
“While I am concerned about the proposed spending, I do see some positive things in this plan.
“As Republican chair of the House Human Services Committee, I strongly support efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in public assistance programs. I also back increased funding for community-based providers who care for individuals at home. However, the plan does not address the urgent need to raise pay for those serving our most vulnerable populations.
“Moving forward, we must prioritize bipartisan cooperation to avoid another prolonged impasse like last year’s 135-day delay.
“Let’s work together to craft a responsible, sustainable budget that protects taxpayers and strengthens essential services.”
The governor’s address is the beginning of the annual budgetary process. The budget will be thoroughly analyzed during three weeks of House Appropriations hearings beginning Feb. 23. For more information on the 2026-27 state budget, go to
PABudget.com.
Editors note:
You can watch Rep. Heffley’s remarks on video here.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com / Facebook.com/RepHeffley