Bernstine: Budget Relies on Accounting Tricks Instead of Fiscal Responsibility

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The measure passed the House and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Bernstine issued the following statement:

“This budget relies on the same type of accounting tricks Bernie Madoff used to make the numbers look better than reality. Delaying payments and shifting costs into the future does not reduce spending; it simply hides the true cost from taxpayers.

“Nearly $3 billion in delayed payments are being used to make this budget appear smaller and more balanced while hiding the true cost of government spending. Those bills do not disappear. They will still have to be paid by future taxpayers, and Pennsylvanians deserve honesty and transparency when it comes to how their money is being spent.

“This budget also includes more than a half billion dollars for government-run city schools while too many students are still struggling to read and write at grade level. We should be focused on accountability and ensuring every education dollar is producing results for Pennsylvania students.

“We cannot continue relying on budget gimmicks, one-time fixes and accounting maneuvers to cover the growing cost of government. Families across Pennsylvania must balance their budgets and make tough decisions – state government should be held to that same standard.

“My constituents expect responsible decisions with their tax dollars. This budget does not meet that standard.”

Representative Aaron Bernstine
8th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepBernstine.com