Governor Shapiro’s proposed $51.4 billion budget for 2025-26 has drawn criticism from local and state officials.
Representative Jim Struzzi said the budget outlined a lot of problems clouding Pennsylvania, but he feels Shapiro is “simply throwing money at these problems without any real, viable solutions.” Struzzi said this year’s proposal is $3.6 billion more than last year’s budget, however, revenues are expected to grow by $1.3 billion, leaving a temporary gap.
Struzzi said the House will work with Shapiro on finding a middle ground.
Struzzi adds the budget could have some negative long-terms effects.
State Senator Joe Pittman said that while Governor Shapiro in his opinion was trying to be all things to all people in his budget address, it is not good governance.
Pittman said he and the Senate Republican Caucus agree on the issues of permitting reform, finding ways to grow the state’s economy, but he failed to talk about empowering parents when it came to their child’s education.
Budget hearings will begin on February 18th for both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The budget deadline is June 30th.
