HARRISBURG – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) expressed concern following the unveiling of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2025-26 budget plan today:
“It’s like Groundhog Day, and we’re once again looking at a plan that lacks substance, neglects the looming multi-billion-dollar structural deficit and can further lead to more unnecessary financial hardship for hardworking taxpayers,” Stefano said. “This continuous cycle of spending is not the answer Pennsylvanians are looking for. My colleges and I will again work diligently to deliver a responsible budget that harnesses our commonwealth’s existing strengths and promotes a sustainable, more self-sufficient future for Pennsylvania. That’s common sense.”
The $51.5 billion budget plan Shapiro presented to the legislature today would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% over the current year’s budget.
Stefano and his Senate Republican colleagues raised concerns that the governor’s overly optimistic future revenue projections and wildly inaccurate future expenditure assumptions could eliminate the state’s emergency savings (also known as the Rainy Day Fund) and create the need for a multi-billion-dollar tax increase on Pennsylvania families within a year and a half.
During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances, Senate Republicans said.
“Without sensible spending practices, Pennsylvania’s structural deficit will only continue to be on the rise,” Stefano said. “Now, more than ever, is the time for fiscally responsible action.”
Shapiro’s budget address is only the first step in the process. In the weeks ahead, the Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a series of hearings to closely examine the spending plan to determine how it can be improved. The hearings will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6.
CONTACT: Amanda Cuteri