Altoona Times

Pennsylvania House Republican leaders have expressed concerns over Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-26. They argue that the plan involves unsustainable spending increases and an unnecessary expansion of government.

House Republican Leader Jesse Topper criticized the budget, emphasizing the need for policies that would drive growth in Pennsylvania's energy economy. "Here is what we can say with certainty about the governor’s proposed budget – this will not be the final product: It spends too much, it grows government too much and is unsustainable in the future," Topper stated. He added that economic growth and job creation should be prioritized to balance current and future budgets.

Echoing these sentiments, House Republican Whip Tim O’Neal suggested focusing on economic growth within Pennsylvania's energy industry. "Gov. Shapiro is once again pushing a tax-and-spend agenda when we should be prioritizing policies that will ignite our economy," O'Neal said. He believes investing in the energy sector could reduce utility costs and generate significant revenue.

House Republican Appropriations Chairman Jim Struzzi also voiced his concerns regarding the sustainability of Shapiro's budget proposal. "While we understand this is a starting point in the process, Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal increases spending far beyond sustainable levels," Struzzi commented. He highlighted the absence of policies to boost Pennsylvania's energy industry as a major issue.

Struzzi assured that during upcoming budget hearings, House Republicans would work diligently to analyze the proposal and find common ground to ensure a responsible and timely budget for Pennsylvanians.