Feb. 06, 2024
HARRISBURG – Following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s annual budget address today to a joint session of the House and Senate, Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) issued the following statement:
“The governor is proposing a $48.34 billion budget, which is an increase of $3.7 billion over the current fiscal year. This will cost hardworking taxpayers a fortune. More government spending equals higher taxes.
“Responsible budgeting is crucial to ensuring the long-term financial health of our state, and it requires a balanced spending plan with saving and investing in the future. I have supported our Rainy Day Fund, which is now at $8 billion, to help address any future economic downturns. This budget will deplete that fund within four years.
“The governor’s budget proposal completely reverses the past efforts of the House Republican Caucus over the last several years. Those efforts have been building the balance in the Rainy Day Fund; bringing future Commonwealth spending in line with state revenues; and avoiding the practice of deficit spending.
“The budget proposal aims to do some great things, such as an increase in funding for education, fire and emergency medical services personnel, state police and senior citizens programs. However, we can’t spend more than we take in. Our families cannot afford it.”
The governor’s address is just the beginning of the annual state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings to examine the details of the governor’s plan and how state agencies are spending their funding. The hearings begin Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
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