State Representative Ryan Warner of Fayette County responded to Governor Josh Shapiro’s recent budget address, which proposed a $53.26 billion spending plan for Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 fiscal year. Warner expressed concern about the governor’s approach to balancing the state budget.
“The governor is again failing to honor the most basic rule of budgeting: You can’t spend more than you bring in. Yet, for the FOURTH year in a row, that is exactly what he is suggesting we do. Under the governor’s plan, this year’s funding shortfall is nearly $6.5 billion, and he’s taking more than half or our state’s Rainy Day Fund – $4.58 billion – to make his budget balance. He’ll also need to tax skill games and legalize recreational marijuana to cover his proposed spending,” Warner said.
He added, “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: This approach to budgeting is both irresponsible and unsustainable.”
Warner emphasized that the proposal marks only the beginning of a longer process: “The good news is, this is just the governor’s proposal, and it marks the start of a lengthy and detailed budget process. In the weeks and months ahead, we will examine the details of the plan and I, for one, will be advocating for a budget that spends within our means and advances policies that support economic growth in our Commonwealth.”
Both House and Senate Appropriations committees are scheduled later this month to hold hearings with state agencies regarding details of Shapiro’s plan. Lawmakers aim to finalize a spending package by June 30.
Warner represents Pennsylvania’s 52nd Legislative District in Fayette County (official website). He has been an advocate for public safety initiatives as well as economic development policies (official website). Warner has also championed measures such as the Taxpayer Protection Act intended to limit growth in state spending (official website). He leads committees focused on fiscal policy issues including chairing the PA Legislative Sportsmen Caucus (official website).
Additional information about Pennsylvania’s budget process can be found at PABudget.com.
