South Lancaster News

Senate Republicans have announced plans to scrutinize Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2025-26 budget, which amounts to $51.5 billion. The budget suggests an increase in state spending by $3.6 billion, a 7.5% rise compared to the current year.

Concerns were raised by Senate Republicans regarding what they perceive as overly optimistic revenue projections and inaccurate expenditure assumptions in the governor's plan. They argue that these could deplete the state's emergency savings, known as the Rainy Day Fund, and necessitate a significant tax increase for Pennsylvania families within 18 months.

According to Senate Republicans, using realistic estimates over the next five years, Shapiro's budget could create a $27.3 billion deficit in state finances.

"Gov. Shapiro has a huge appetite for spending as evidenced in his first two budgets, and this budget is no exception," stated Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39). "In the simplest of terms, Shapiro wants to spend billions more than we are taking in as a state – $51.5 billion is an 8% increase over last year."

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) emphasized fiscal responsibility: "Our Senate Republican Caucus is always very honest with Pennsylvanians about the fiscal realities we’re dealing with... Now it’s time for our full budget review process to take place, as we do our due diligence fighting for taxpayers."

Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) expressed concerns about economic challenges: "Pennsylvania needs to get real about the financial challenges we face... We can’t saddle taxpayers with a $27 billion burden over the next five years based on Gov. Shapiro’s bad math."

The proposed budget allocates approximately $2 billion for human services programs and increases funding for Basic Education Funding by $75 million and the Ready-to-Learn Block Grant Program by $526 million. It also maintains level funding of $25 million for the Grow PA program aimed at supporting college attendance and job training.

However, there is no provision for Lifeline Scholarships or the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success program in failing schools. Additionally, no new revenues or expenditures related to Shapiro's "Lightning" energy plan were included.

The Senate Appropriations Committee will begin hearings on February 18th to evaluate potential improvements to the spending plan.