Rep. Ryan Warner of Fayette County responded to Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, raising concerns about state spending and fiscal responsibility.
Warner criticized the governor’s approach, stating, “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.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: This approach to budgeting is both irresponsible and unsustainable.
“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.”
Warner represents Pennsylvania’s 52nd Legislative District in Fayette County and serves as a state representative with leadership roles on committees focusing on fiscal policy and sportsmen issues. He has been an advocate for public safety measures as well as economic development initiatives that benefit his constituents (https://repwarner.com/about). Warner also championed legislation such as the Taxpayer Protection Act aimed at capping state spending growth (https://repwarner.com/about).
He holds a degree in communications arts and science from Penn State University (https://repwarner.com/about) and operates a family farm along with involvement in logging (https://repwarner.com/about). In addition to chairing the PA Legislative Sportsmen Caucus, Warner serves on several House committees including Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities (https://repwarner.com/about). His legislative efforts include supporting law enforcement agencies while promoting economic policies designed to help local communities (https://repwarner.com/about).
The next steps in the budget process will involve hearings by Appropriations committees in both chambers later this month. Lawmakers are expected to use information gathered from these hearings to craft a final budget by June 30.
