Laurel Highlands Today

Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) has expressed concern over Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed 2024-25 state budget, which includes a significant increase in state spending. Stefano believes that this excessive increase would have a negative impact on Pennsylvania families.

Shapiro's budget plan calls for a 7.1% increase in overall state spending. However, Stefano argues that the administration's revenue estimates are significantly higher than those prepared by the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO). In fact, the baseline revenue estimates used by the administration are $5.6 billion higher than the IFO's estimates for both the current year and the five-year budget planning period.

"My colleagues and I have worked hard to make tough financial decisions that have built a safety net for Pennsylvanians. Gov. Shapiro's budget proposal would completely deplete the Rainy Day Fund that we have worked so hard to establish," Stefano said. "We need to adopt smart budgeting practices, just like many families do, to ensure the stability of our households."

Under Shapiro's budget plan, the state's current and future budgetary reserves, including the Rainy Day Fund, would be completely eliminated over the next five years. Stefano argues that the administration's unrealistic spending and revenue projections would lead to the need for significant spending cuts and tax increases for Pennsylvania residents.

Stefano highlights that the governor's budget approach contradicts the cautious and responsible budgets that Senate Republicans have worked to implement in recent years. These budgets have earned praise from credit rating agencies and have even resulted in a reduction of nearly $100 million in long-term debt service costs for taxpayers in the state's most recent bond sale.

"This level of spending could contribute to rising inflation on top of the challenges we are already facing. We wouldn't advise our neighbors to spend beyond their means, and the same should apply to the government," Stefano stated. "Gov. Shapiro's spending plan is ambitious, but without specific details, it lacks substance."

Senate Republicans plan to carefully examine Shapiro's budget proposal in the coming months and will search for greater efficiencies. The Senate Appropriations Committee will begin a series of budget hearings on Feb. 20 to analyze the budget proposal in detail.

For media inquiries, please contact Amanda Cuteri at 717-787-7175.