Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
11/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2025 14:28
Gaydos: Budget is a Step Forward, But We Still Have Work to Do
Nov. 12, 2025
HARRISBURG - Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R Allegheny) issued the following statement regarding her affirmative vote on the $50.1 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year:
"After nearly four and a half months without a state budget, the House has finally passed a spending plan that moves Pennsylvania in the right direction. While I still have concerns about the overall level of spending, this plan does not raise taxes and does not take any money from the Rainy Day Fund. That is a win for taxpayers and a step toward keeping government accountable.
"This also gives us the time and stability to implement some of the reforms I have been working on to make government more efficient and reduce costs for families. This includes my legislation to cut down on improper payments, expand access to affordable health care through Association Health Plans, and continue efforts to eliminate the inheritance tax so Pennsylvanians can pass down family businesses and savings without penalty.
"I am pleased Gov. Josh Shapiro and many of his fellow Democrats recognized the need to fuel our economy with Pennsylvania's energy industry by agreeing to remove Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This carbon tax drove up energy prices for those most vulnerable and cost the Commonwealth thousands of good jobs. By getting Pennsylvania out of RGGI, we are helping to protect jobs, lower energy costs for families and bring investment back to our communities.
"This budget also gives schools the funding they need and expands opportunities for parents and students. Increasing scholarships and improving literacy programs will help more children get the education they deserve, no matter where they live.
"The plan also makes it easier for businesses to grow by cutting red tape and putting in place better checks and balances to make sure taxpayer dollars go to the people who truly need help.
"After several very long months of negotiation, it is good to see this budget focuses on key issues: growing the economy so we can build a better future, improving education for all and protecting taxpayers. This budget is not a perfect plan, but it represents both sides of the aisle meeting in the middle, working to put the people of Pennsylvania first. In a time when politics can be deeply divided, this budget demonstrates that bipartisan cooperation is still possible. There is still more work ahead to ensure Pennsylvania heads on a stronger financial path, but this is real progress."
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
[email protected]
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos
"After nearly four and a half months without a state budget, the House has finally passed a spending plan that moves Pennsylvania in the right direction. While I still have concerns about the overall level of spending, this plan does not raise taxes and does not take any money from the Rainy Day Fund. That is a win for taxpayers and a step toward keeping government accountable.
"This also gives us the time and stability to implement some of the reforms I have been working on to make government more efficient and reduce costs for families. This includes my legislation to cut down on improper payments, expand access to affordable health care through Association Health Plans, and continue efforts to eliminate the inheritance tax so Pennsylvanians can pass down family businesses and savings without penalty.
"I am pleased Gov. Josh Shapiro and many of his fellow Democrats recognized the need to fuel our economy with Pennsylvania's energy industry by agreeing to remove Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This carbon tax drove up energy prices for those most vulnerable and cost the Commonwealth thousands of good jobs. By getting Pennsylvania out of RGGI, we are helping to protect jobs, lower energy costs for families and bring investment back to our communities.
"This budget also gives schools the funding they need and expands opportunities for parents and students. Increasing scholarships and improving literacy programs will help more children get the education they deserve, no matter where they live.
"The plan also makes it easier for businesses to grow by cutting red tape and putting in place better checks and balances to make sure taxpayer dollars go to the people who truly need help.
"After several very long months of negotiation, it is good to see this budget focuses on key issues: growing the economy so we can build a better future, improving education for all and protecting taxpayers. This budget is not a perfect plan, but it represents both sides of the aisle meeting in the middle, working to put the people of Pennsylvania first. In a time when politics can be deeply divided, this budget demonstrates that bipartisan cooperation is still possible. There is still more work ahead to ensure Pennsylvania heads on a stronger financial path, but this is real progress."
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
[email protected]
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on November 12, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 12, 2025 at 20:28 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]