Feb. 06, 2024
HARRISBURG – Gov. Josh Shapiro today presented his state budget proposal for the 2024-25 fiscal year to a joint session of the General Assembly.
Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) issued the following statement in reaction to the governor’s $48.3 billion spending plan, which is a $3.7 billion (8.4%) increase over the current fiscal year:
“Some of the new spending proposed by the governor is worth considering. However, state government can’t pay for everything for everyone. I have always believed in finding long-term, viable solutions that are paid for today and tomorrow.
“It concerns me that the governor wants to tap into the surplus we’ve worked so hard to build in recent years to balance his spending plan. He also failed to address our existing structural deficit. This means in future years we will need massive tax increases, which will hurt all of us.
“We need to remember the governor’s address is just the beginning of the annual budget process. In the coming months, I plan to work with my House colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop a reasonable and responsible budget that moves the Commonwealth forward without placing a further burden on taxpayers.”
The House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings starting Tuesday, Feb. 20, 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 Jack Rader
176th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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