Mar. 07, 2023
HARRISBURG – In response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address to a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Lou Schmitt (R-Altoona) issued the following statement:
“While there are issues with Gov. Josh Shaprio’s budget proposal, I am hopeful we will be able to work with the new governor and his team to sift through our difference on the path toward creating a fair budget that respects taxpayers. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will continue to advocate for taxpayers in the district and across Pennsylvania.
“Fortunately, the proposal we heard today was a contrast to the ‘spend, spend, spend’ mantra of the previous administration. However, there are a few red flags in this governor’s proposal.
“I was hoping the proposal would have included changes to how we fund our public schools and students, especially in light of the recent court ruling. I am also very apprehensive to dipping into the state’s savings account to cover new spending. At the governor’s proposed rate, the Rainy Day Fund would be depleted in a few years. This is reckless and shortsighted. House Republicans worked extremely hard to build up the state’s reserves to be used during an economic downturn. Depleting it would leave Pennsylvania without a cushion.
“With Shaprio’s plan to rearrange some taxes, I have concerns that tying them to the cost-of-living will lead to perpetual tax increase burdens on Pennsylvania taxpayers.
“In the coming months, the House Appropriations Committee will dig deeper into the budget proposal and the state’s financial footing. I look forward to the hard work to shape a budget that’ll protect taxpayers.”
Representative Lou Schmitt
79th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
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ggross@pahousegop.com
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