Struzzi Labels Governor’s Budget Address ‘Nothing New’

2/8/2022

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) issued the following statement in reaction to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desire to increase spending by more than $6 billion as part of a $43.7 billion budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year: 

“The governor’s plan to increase spending is really nothing new, as it’s pretty much the same pattern he’s used over his previous seven years in office. This time, he’s basically maxing out his ‘credit card’ by using every penny we have, leaving us nothing for future years. 

“Economists predict we’re headed toward a recession. Taxpayers are spending the federal dollars being sent to them on durable goods, which is why we are seeing temporary increases in our revenues…increases that won’t last. The governor and his fellow democrats can’t take credit for that surplus. If anything, House Republicans emphasis on building reserves while holding the line on his past desires to increase taxes laid the groundwork for Pennsylvanians to be able to spend their stimulus money for purchases. 

“I am glad to see the governor’s desire to increase support for drug addiction and mental health programs. While it is essential that we adequately fund the services our residents and communities need, the bottom line is we can’t spend everything we have and expect to survive financially over the next 3-5 years.

“This, however, is the beginning of a long budget process. I’ll once again be part of the House Appropriations Committee’s budget hearings which begin next week. With financial numbers like he’s proposing, it’s very important that we understand why and if these increases are needed and how they will be funded. In the end, revenues and expenditures need to balance. In the governor’s current proposal, they do not.”