Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
11/12/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/12/2025 13:08
Owlett, Pickett: Energy, Education, Economy Get Boost from Final 2025-26 PA Budget
Nov. 12, 2025
HARRISBURG - Reps. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga/Bradford) and Tina Pickett (R-Bradford/Wyoming) today issued the following statement in support of House passage of the 2025-26 state budget:
"This is a forward-looking budget that makes the changes necessary to set up our Commonwealth for success in the future. For far too long, economic and job growth in the state have been hampered by poor permitting practices and policies like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that significantly increase the cost of doing business here.
"At a time when energy costs are rising and demand is increasing exponentially, our Commonwealth has the resources necessary to meet the region's energy needs. By removing Pennsylvania from RGGI and requiring timely and efficient consideration of air and water permits as part of this year's budget agreement, we now also have the policies in place to fully capitalize on our energy potential. These changes will unleash opportunities for new construction, manufacturing, data centers and family-sustaining jobs here in the Northern Tier and across the Commonwealth.
"We are also encouraged by the additional funding to expand school choice opportunities by doubling the amount for scholarships for students who attend economically disadvantaged schools. Our kids only get one chance at a good education, and we need to make sure options are available to them.
"This budget also aims to ensure benefit programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are going to those who truly need it while also protecting our taxpayers who fund the programs from fraud and abuse.
"No budget is perfect, and we would have preferred a lower amount of spending, but governing requires negotiation, especially in a divided government like ours. With the policies included in this budget agreement, we are poised to boost our energy industry, improve education and grow the economy for current and future generations.
"With this year's budget more than four months late, the process for next year's plan is already underway. As always, we will be a strong voice for rural Pennsylvania."
Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Representative Tina Pickett
110th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Owlett Media Contact: Patricia Hippler, 717.772.9846
Pickett Media Contact: Kalie Morrow, 717.772.9824
"This is a forward-looking budget that makes the changes necessary to set up our Commonwealth for success in the future. For far too long, economic and job growth in the state have been hampered by poor permitting practices and policies like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) that significantly increase the cost of doing business here.
"At a time when energy costs are rising and demand is increasing exponentially, our Commonwealth has the resources necessary to meet the region's energy needs. By removing Pennsylvania from RGGI and requiring timely and efficient consideration of air and water permits as part of this year's budget agreement, we now also have the policies in place to fully capitalize on our energy potential. These changes will unleash opportunities for new construction, manufacturing, data centers and family-sustaining jobs here in the Northern Tier and across the Commonwealth.
"We are also encouraged by the additional funding to expand school choice opportunities by doubling the amount for scholarships for students who attend economically disadvantaged schools. Our kids only get one chance at a good education, and we need to make sure options are available to them.
"This budget also aims to ensure benefit programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are going to those who truly need it while also protecting our taxpayers who fund the programs from fraud and abuse.
"No budget is perfect, and we would have preferred a lower amount of spending, but governing requires negotiation, especially in a divided government like ours. With the policies included in this budget agreement, we are poised to boost our energy industry, improve education and grow the economy for current and future generations.
"With this year's budget more than four months late, the process for next year's plan is already underway. As always, we will be a strong voice for rural Pennsylvania."
Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Representative Tina Pickett
110th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Owlett Media Contact: Patricia Hippler, 717.772.9846
Pickett Media Contact: Kalie Morrow, 717.772.9824
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