Reichard Comments on Budget

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin), member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after voting against the 2026-27 state budget:

“Although House and Senate Republicans succeeded in reducing Gov. Josh Shapiro’s original $53.3 billion spending proposal, the finalized $50.85 budget still spends more than taxpayers can afford. This budget defers payments of $1.2 billion until next year. Delaying payments doesn’t mean the debt goes away; it simply means we’ll have to come up with funding next year.

“While this budget doesn’t tap the Rainy Day Fund or raise taxes, Pennsylvania cannot continue spending beyond its means without eventually asking taxpayers to make up the difference. I have long said the best path forward is to grow our economy and, in turn, grow our revenues without raising taxes.

“We have seen some of the results of the positive aspects House and Senate Republicans fought to be included in last year’s budget. We saw to it that historic permitting reform, investments in career and technical training, leaving the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and meaningful welfare reforms were included. The outcome was $1.14 billion more than the official revenue estimate and $2.52 billion more than the 2024-25 fiscal year.

“Despite Republican initiatives leading to higher-than-expected revenue, that is not a reason for the new and increased spending in this budget. Lawmakers must realize a budget not just funds government operations for a year, it sets the course for years and decades to come. Pennsylvania must be on sound financial footing now, so we are on a prosperous path well into the future.”



Representative Chad Reichard
90th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepReichard.com / Facebook.com/RepReichard