Local legislators are saying that for the fourth time running, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wishes to spend too much money.
State Representative Jim Struzzi was happy to hear the Governor’s address lead off with a lot of things everyone can rally around and work towards, but did not appreciate the partisanship at the end, especially the elimination of RGGI. He said the comments made were not necessary.
He also said that Shapiro’s budget topped out at $53.26 billion, which is a $2.72 billion increase from last year, but revenues are expected to be around $47 billion. With a $6.5 billion spending gap, he wants use over $4 billion from the state’s emergency funds to help fill it, which is something that Struzzi as the House Republican Appropriations Chair says is inadvisable.
During a news conference after the budget presentation, Senate Republican Leader Joe Pittman was encouraged by the fact that Shapiro is willing to meet with all four caucuses starting tomorrow.
The budget is due June 30th.
