Mar. 07, 2023
HARRISBURG – The York County Republican delegation to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, comprised of House Appropriations Chairman Seth Grove (R-Dover) and Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Dawn Keefer (R-Dillsburg), Mike Jones (R-York Township), Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester) and Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion), issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed spending plan:
“During the new governor’s first budget address, we heard proposals we are amenable to, as well as some things we cannot support. However, we remain optimistic we can reach a middle ground with the administration and pass a responsible budget that respects all taxpayers.
“We had hoped Gov. Josh Shapiro would have addressed the structural deficit and worked to fill in the gap. Instead, he proposed tapping the state’s savings account, which would be depleted in the coming years under the spending plan. House Republicans have fought hard to keep money in reserves for economic downturns, not to draw it down for new spending. While enrollment at public schools continues to drop and the average district shields about $10 million in reserve funds, according to a recent Auditor General report, increasing basic education funding by more than 5% isn't appropriate.
“Shapiro’s budget also includes worthwhile policy initiatives, such as eliminating Department of Environmental Protection permitting backlogs and puts added funding in career and technical education, which will help prepare Pennsylvania’s youth for the workforce of today and tomorrow. We also applaud funding for additional state police, but we have concerns with the governor’s plan to create a new funding account offline of the general fund budget. This moves the fund out of the watchful public eye and into the shadows.
“The governor’s address today was the starting point. As we work through the budget process, we invite him to work alongside us to create a budget that protects Pennsylvania’s taxpayers.”
York County House Republican Delegation
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com