D’Orsie Unimpressed by Shapiro’s Proposed 2025-26 Budget

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester) issued the following statement after hearing Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.47 billion spending plan, an increase of 7.5% from the current fiscal year:

“I was hopeful that all the talk I’ve heard over the last year about making Pennsylvania competitive would translate into a commonsense budget that protects taxpayers. Instead, I heard much of the same platitudes from our governor as his budget is rife with new government programs, taxpayer-funded special interest handouts, and investments that will cost my constituents dearly. It’s unsustainable and irresponsible to increase spending by $3.57 billion while only projecting $1.3 in additional revenue.

“The governor is looking to increase K-12 education spending by $804 million – which is more than eight times the amount he previously proposed for Lifeline Scholarships, scholarships that were designed to help students escape low-performing schools.

“The 47th Legislative District is a manufacturing hub, yet Gov. Shapiro is proposing to eliminate manufacturing tax credit programs. It’s clear that Gov. Shapiro is focused on Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, while neglecting the rest of the state.”

“Although I believe the proposed budget is irresponsible, this is just the beginning of a long road toward a final solution, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to improve it.”

The House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings to examine the details of the governor’s plan and how state agencies are spending their funding. The hearings begin Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Representative Joe D’Orsie
47th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives