Among those reacting to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget of around $53.3 billion for 2026-27 were Republican leaders in the state Senate and organizations representing workforce development and public transportation.

Senate Republicans

The following Republican senators issued a joint statement after Shapiro’s outlined his spending plan: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Westmoreland County; Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, Indiana County; and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin, Lancaster County.

“This is the fourth budget from Gov. Shapiro that spends more than we take in as a commonwealth, is contingent on nonexistent revenue streams and guarantees a massive tax increase next year,” Ward said. “It is essential that we put the interest and needs of Pennsylvanians first and continue to build on our work started in last year’s budget. Senate Republicans will be fiscally responsible on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania as our families, our economy and our future depend on it.”

“Gov. Shapiro’s budget proposal spends too much money without protecting Pennsylvania’s future fiscal stability,” Pittman said. “As we begin our work on this year’s budget, looking for more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending are key priorities of our Senate Republican Caucus.”

“The only reason why this budget did not include a broad-based tax increase is because Senate Republicans have stood up to the governor’s spending demands and insisted on pro-growth policies that move our commonwealth forward,” Martin said. “We can’t lose sight of the tremendous financial challenges we face in the years ahead. If we approve a spending increase of this magnitude, hardworking Pennsylvania families will be saddled with billions of dollars in new taxes next year at a time when they’re still dealing with affordability concerns driven by Biden-era inflation. We can and MUST do better.”

The leaders also noted that budget proposal would increase spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase over the current year, and said that growth is primarily from the Department of Human Services (nearly a $1.4 billion increase) and the Department of Education (more than a $900 million increase). Costs for the Department of Corrections would also increase by $140 million under Shapiro’s budget despite the closure of two state correctional facilities.

The spending plan would take $4.6 billion out of the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy Day Fund.

The new budget proposal also uses a portion of the multibillion-dollar balance in the Public Transportation Trust Fund to support the state’s largest transit agencies, which is the fiscally responsible approach identified by Senate Republicans during last year’s budget debate, the senators said.

Workforce development

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association (PWDA), which serves as the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce development system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide, issued a statement after the budget address.

Among the items in Shapiro proposed budget is $18 million more in spending on vo-tech, career and technical education, and apprenticeships.

The PWDA statement said, in part:

“More and more Pennsylvanians are seeking new pathways to build a good career and a good life in Pennsylvania. Continued investment in apprenticeships, career and technical education, and workforce development will help job seekers, students, and workers get the skills they need in their communities. These investments will help businesses get the workers they need to grow and thrive. We know that our workforce is changing — many Pennsylvanians are retiring — and we need to make sure the next generation is trained and ready to lead our Commonwealth into the future. These investments are an important step in that direction.”

The organization also said it had four priorities it wanted to stress: more timely and transparent economic and workforce data; more investment in workforce development programs for youths; connect schools and training with business needs; and continue investments in career and technical education.

PPTA

The Pennsylvania Public Transportation Association (PPTA), a statewide trade organization dedicated to advocating for and advancing public transit, issued a statement after the budget address.

In his proposed budget, Shapiro called for “sustainable, recurring funding for mass transit to begin in 2027.”

The PPTA praised Shapiro for his commitment to public transportation and added that without sustained, dedicated funding, providers will face difficult decisions that could reduce service and limit mobility for the people and communities who rely on transit the most.

“Public transportation isn’t just a big city issue; it impacts every community in Pennsylvania,” said Kim Whetsell, executive director of PPTA. “These proposed investments will strengthen transit service in all 67 counties, including smaller local systems and Pennsylvania’s Shared Ride program, serving older adults, people with disabilities, and veterans statewide. In many rural communities, Shared Ride isn’t a convenience; it’s the only connection. Without it, people lose access to the places they need to go and the independence that comes with it.”

The PPTA urged the General Assembly to advance a long-term solution that strengthens transportation infrastructure across the state and provides stable, predictable funding.