Feb. 06, 2018
HARRISBURG – House Republican leaders reacted to the governor’s call to increase state spending by $1 billion for fiscal year 2018-19. The governor presented his $33 billion spending proposal today in front of a joint session of the General Assembly.
Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny), Majority Leader Dave Reed (R-Indiana), Majority Whip Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster), Appropriations Committee Chairman Stan Saylor (R-York), Policy Committee Chairman Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), Caucus Chairman Marcy Toepel (R-Montgomery), Caucus Administrator Kurt Masser (R-Columbia/Montour/Northumberland) and Caucus Secretary Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) issued the following statement:
“Just as it has been for the last three years, our priority will be to ensure the final product is a reasonable, responsible budget that taxpayers can afford.
“A quality budget does not simply focus on more spending, but ensures state government is managing its current resources efficiently and effectively. Every year should start, not with a wish list, but with a serious look for potential cost-savings and elimination of any waste or misuse of funds.
“We hope to work with the governor on these efforts. We can successfully balance our state budget, grow our economy and invest in the future of our Commonwealth without asking taxpayers to foot an unrealistic bill.”
The House Appropriations Committee will review the governor’s proposal in depth, as well as the performance of various executive programs during its annual series of budget hearings. The budget hearings are set to be held between Monday, Feb. 20, and Thursday, March 8. Following the hearings, the House will craft a state budget for consideration.
Representative Dave Reed, Majority Leader
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives