Feb. 04, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.47 billion budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which represents a 7.5% increase over the current fiscal year. 

“I am deeply disappointed in the governor’s budget proposal. His wish list would result in higher taxes for Pennsylvanians. I cannot support a budget that takes more from the hard-working families of Lawrence County.

“Gov. Shapiro’s proposal includes economically harmful energy taxes. Pennsylvania is an energy leader, and this budget would only increase consumer costs while pushing investment out of the Commonwealth. I will continue to fight for lower energy bills and policies that support Pennsylvania’s energy industry.

“We have worked hard to build a surplus and a strong Rainy Day Fund for emergencies. If the proposed budget were enacted today, it would deplete the remaining $2.89 billion of the General Fund surplus at the end of the fiscal year and draw down $1.6 billion from the Rainy Day Fund.

“The reality is, the Commonwealth cannot sustain large increases in government spending. These increases become the baseline for future years, creating an unsustainable fiscal path. We need to focus on economic recovery and protecting our families - not balancing the budget on the backs of taxpayers.

“While the governor’s budget includes some worthwhile proposals, we must focus on what is fiscally responsible and sustainable.
“As a new member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a balanced and responsible budget. The governor’s budget proposal will undergo a thorough review during three weeks of public hearings by the House Appropriations Committee, beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 18.”

For more information on the 2025-26 state budget, visit pahousegop.com.

To view Rep. Brown’s comments following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address, click here.

Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepMarlaBrown.com / facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown

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