Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 16:38
Shapiro’s Budget Proposal is Not Affordable for Pennsylvania
Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG - In response to Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year, Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata) issued the following statement:
"Today's budget address is more of the same from the Shapiro administration: spend more, grow government, and gamble on shaky revenue sources. The governor unveiled a massive $53.26 billion spending plan that ignores Pennsylvania's financial reality and the priorities of 85th District residents. His proposal hikes spending by an unsustainable 5.4% over the current fiscal year, far outpacing both revenue growth and inflation, and it would drain 60% of the Rainy Day Fund, or roughly $4.8 billion.
"Like last year, this plan leans on $1.88 billion in new taxes and fees from recreational cannabis sales and skill games, policies that have not been enacted by the General Assembly. Without legislative approval, the governor's math doesn't work, leaving Pennsylvania with a structural deficit of roughly $4.8 billion. To close that gap, families could face tax hikes of up to $1,500. That should alarm every taxpayer.
"Another familiar theme is that Shapiro is proposing a $1 billion increase in education funding. Yet, at the same time, the governor refuses to opt in to the federal scholarship tax credit offered under the Trump administration, costing Pennsylvania students roughly the same amount he claims to invest.
"Thankfully, this proposal is only the starting point. The House Appropriations Committee will soon begin hearings to get a clear picture of Pennsylvania's finances. I'm hopeful we can work toward a fiscally-conservative, responsibly-balanced budget that respects taxpayers and funds core government functions.
"Our top priority must be laying the foundation for real economic growth to stabilize future budgets, prevent tax increases, and make Pennsylvania an affordable place to call home. That means starting now to reduce the size and scope of government, so we stop taking too much from hard-working Pennsylvanians who are already struggling to make ends meet. I will not support a budget that puts further strain on families and taxpayers in the 85th District."
Representative David H. Rowe
85th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
"Today's budget address is more of the same from the Shapiro administration: spend more, grow government, and gamble on shaky revenue sources. The governor unveiled a massive $53.26 billion spending plan that ignores Pennsylvania's financial reality and the priorities of 85th District residents. His proposal hikes spending by an unsustainable 5.4% over the current fiscal year, far outpacing both revenue growth and inflation, and it would drain 60% of the Rainy Day Fund, or roughly $4.8 billion.
"Like last year, this plan leans on $1.88 billion in new taxes and fees from recreational cannabis sales and skill games, policies that have not been enacted by the General Assembly. Without legislative approval, the governor's math doesn't work, leaving Pennsylvania with a structural deficit of roughly $4.8 billion. To close that gap, families could face tax hikes of up to $1,500. That should alarm every taxpayer.
"Another familiar theme is that Shapiro is proposing a $1 billion increase in education funding. Yet, at the same time, the governor refuses to opt in to the federal scholarship tax credit offered under the Trump administration, costing Pennsylvania students roughly the same amount he claims to invest.
"Thankfully, this proposal is only the starting point. The House Appropriations Committee will soon begin hearings to get a clear picture of Pennsylvania's finances. I'm hopeful we can work toward a fiscally-conservative, responsibly-balanced budget that respects taxpayers and funds core government functions.
"Our top priority must be laying the foundation for real economic growth to stabilize future budgets, prevent tax increases, and make Pennsylvania an affordable place to call home. That means starting now to reduce the size and scope of government, so we stop taking too much from hard-working Pennsylvanians who are already struggling to make ends meet. I will not support a budget that puts further strain on families and taxpayers in the 85th District."
Representative David H. Rowe
85th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on February 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 22:38 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]