Brown Raises Concerns About Governor’s Budget Proposal, Long-Term Tax Risks
HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) joined her colleagues today in a joint session of the General Assembly as Gov. Josh Shapiro delivered his budget address. The governor proposed a $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, a 5.4% spending increase over the current year.
Following the address, Brown issued the following statement:
“As with any budget address, this proposal is a starting point. The conversation begins and my hope is it ultimately leads to a fiscally responsible budget Pennsylvanians can afford.
“The overall spending level the governor proposed today is simply too high. We need to start dealing in reality. Our economy is not growing fast enough to sustain this level of spending, yet the budget lacks a meaningful focus on policies that would drive long term economic growth, job creation and competitiveness.
“Energy costs have skyrocketed for families, seniors and employers across Pennsylvania. Instead of addressing these rising costs and supporting affordable, reliable energy production, the governor’s proposal misses an opportunity to provide relief and strengthen our economic foundation.
“Although the governor claims this budget does not raise taxes, it absolutely risks doing so in the future. To balance his plan, the governor relies on $6.46 billion in new revenue, including transferring $4.58 billion from the Rainy Day Fund, nearly 60% of that fund. The Rainy Day Fund exists to protect taxpayers during economic downturns, not to support ongoing spending that cannot be sustained long term.
“The governor is again proposing nearly $1.9 billion in new revenue through changes to our tax structure, including taxing skill games and legalizing recreational marijuana. I will never vote for a budget that legalizes adult use recreational marijuana. Any potential revenue would be outweighed by the societal costs, including increased addiction, health care demands, workplace accidents and lost productivity. I strongly oppose this direction.”
“I was also disappointed by the governor’s remarks regarding expanding the statute of limitations for sexual abuse cases, especially his decision to single out the Catholic Church and suggest legislators are being influenced by lobbyists. These are serious issues that deserve respectful discussion, not rhetoric that divides or undermines the legislative process.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues and the governor to ensure a fiscally responsible budget is passed and that it benefits all Pennsylvanians.”
For more information on the 2026-27 state budget, go to
www.PABudget.com.
Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives