Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) issued this statement following the state budget address Tuesday in which Gov. Josh Shapiro outlined a $53.26 billion spending plan for the 2026-27 fiscal year:
“The governor is again failing to honor the most basic rule of budgeting: You can’t spend more than you bring in. Yet, for the FOURTH year in a row, that is exactly what he is suggesting we do. Under the governor’s plan, this year’s funding shortfall is nearly $6.5 billion, and he’s taking more than half or our state’s Rainy Day Fund – $4.58 billion – to make his budget balance. He’ll also need to tax skill games and legalize recreational marijuana to cover his proposed spending.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: This approach to budgeting is both irresponsible and unsustainable.
“The good news is, this is just the governor’s proposal, and it marks the start of a lengthy and detailed budget process. In the weeks and months ahead, we will examine the details of the plan and I, for one, will be advocating for a budget that spends within our means and advances policies that support economic growth in our Commonwealth.”
Later this month, Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate will conduct a series of hearings with state agencies to dig into the details of the governor’s plan. Members will use that information to craft a final spending plan, which is due by June 30. More information is available at
PABudget.com.
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives