Feb. 06, 2024
HARRISBURG ¬– In response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $48.34 billion budget proposal, the York County House Republican Delegation consisting of House Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-Dover) and Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion), Mike Jones (R-York Township) and Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester) issued the following statement:
“Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget proposal will bankrupt the Commonwealth’s future and lead to tax hikes in the next four years. York County residents cannot afford higher property and Personal Income taxes. Our constituents already feel the strain of the increasing cost of living when they fuel up at the pump, shop for groceries and pay their energy bills. They cannot be responsible for footing the bill for programs that will not benefit them, like Shapiro’s $1.53 billion mass transit overhaul which includes massive increases for SEPTA.
“The governor’s proposal includes spending over $2.5 billion on initiatives identified as creating new or expanding current government programs. Pennsylvanians deserve a government that lives within its means, just like individuals and families across Pennsylvania. We simply cannot spend money we do not have, or savings reserved for leaner times. It’s clear in this proposal that Shapiro aims to spend our hard-earned surplus, despite economic uncertainty, to set him up for re-election in 2026 and a potential presidential run in 2028.
“As we have done in the past, House Republicans will stand against this unaffordable, irresponsible and misleading spending plan, to protect taxpayers and the solvency of our Commonwealth. The people of Pennsylvania deserve a balanced budget that funds the programs we need, and none of those we don’t.
“Fortunately, the governor’s ‘wish list’ is only the beginning of the state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee will soon begin its budget hearings to get a true sense of Pennsylvania’s financial standing. Through the hearing process, we will work together to craft a fair budget that respects taxpayers and funds the core functions of government.”
York County Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
kmorrison@pahousegop.com