2026-27 Budget Reflects Dauphin County’s Priorities, Says Kerwin

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – Today, the House passed a $50.8 Billion spending plan for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year. This budget is a nearly $2.5 Billion decrease from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s original request during his budget address in February. Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin), who voted for the bipartisan plan, released the following statement:

“The final budget is a balanced budget that will not raise taxes or use the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund, thanks in part to stronger-than-expected revenues. Divided government has provided us with a compromise budget that prioritizes affordability as Pennsylvanians contend with rising costs. The Commonwealth finished Fiscal Year 2025-26 in a strong position, bringing in $1.14 Billion more than the official revenue estimate and $2.52 Billion more than the previous fiscal year. House Republicans' goal was to grow our economy and grow our revenues without raising taxes. We were able to achieve this over the last year by implementing historic permitting reform, making investments in career and technical training, leaving the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, and applying meaningful welfare reforms.”

“This year's budget will deliver adequate funding to fix our roads and bridges, educate our students, and bolster public safety through grant funding. In this budget, career and technical education will receive $10 Million to prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand fields. In addition, funding for the Rapid Bridge and Road Deployment Program will improve critical infrastructure across Dauphin County and the Commonwealth. The VICTIM Act, legislation that I sponsored, was included in the budget to help law enforcement agencies increase clearance rates for violent crimes. Finally, pre-Act 9 retired teachers and first responders will receive a decades-long overdue cost-of-living adjustment.”

“While this budget is not perfect, it will help Dauphin County residents. While today’s news is welcome, more work lies ahead to make Pennsylvania a state that the nation envies. By continuing to focus on affordability and economic growth, the Commonwealth will become a much better place to live, work and raise a family.”


Representative Joseph Kerwin
125th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives