Feb. 06, 2024
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Sheryl M. Delozier (R-Cumberland) issued a statement detailing her reaction to today’s budget address by Gov. Josh Shapiro for the 2024-25 fiscal year:
“Unfortunately, I felt the speech today was a political speech not a budget address. It didn’t address the issues that are important to the people in my district. The governor presented a $48.34 billion plan for our Commonwealth that is a starting point. While there are aspects of his proposal I support, my main concerns are regarding the increase in the level of state spending from this current year by 8.4%. The governor spends all the one-time dollars we have saved from federal stimulus over the years on recurring costs that we don’t have the money to pay for in future years. That leaves the taxpayers footing the bill,” said Delozier.
“Now that we’ve heard the governor’s initial plan, the hard work of creating a more responsible budget can begin. During the upcoming series of Appropriations Committee hearings, we will hear testimony from state agency leaders about their funding requests and work toward compromise.
“From funding four new Pennsylvania State Police cadet classes and adding dollars to support our fire and EMS companies, we share some of the same goals. However, I believe the best way to make those initiatives a reality for Pennsylvania residents is not to overspend on new, expensive government programs and invest in those we know work. After an hour and a half speech, he never laid out how he was going to pay for all the spending he proposed.
This budget adds new government programs, spends more than we have and depletes our reserve funds. I look forward to doing my part to advance responsible solutions and priorities over the next several months.”
Questions about this proposal or any state-related matter may be directed to Delozier’s district office at 717-761-4665.
Representative Sheryl Delozier
88th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives