Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a 2026-27 budget of around $53.3 billion on Tuesday. Local lawmaker issued statements in reaction to the spending plan.

Rep. Doyle Heffley: “The governor’s plan increases spending by 5.4% while revenues grow at only 1.9%, creating a risk of significant deficits and future tax hike,” Heffley, R-Carbon, said. “Pennsylvanians deserve a balanced budget that funds essential services without overburdening taxpayers.”

He said the proposal falls short by $6.4 billion and relies on $1.8 billion in new taxes and fees. It also drains the Rain Day Fund by 60% and sets Pennsylvanians up for future deficits. “Hardworking families will almost certainly face painful cuts or higher taxes,” he said.

He noted some positives. “As Republican chair of the House Human Services Committee, I strongly support efforts to reduce waste, fraud and abuse in public assistance programs. I also back increased funding for community-based providers who care for individuals at home. However, the plan does not address the urgent need to raise pay for those serving our most vulnerable populations.

Heffley urged “prioritize bipartisan cooperation to avoid another prolonged impasse like last year’s 135-day delay.”

Rep. Jack Rader: “The governor is proposing a 5.4% increase in the state budget with a projected revenue increase of just 1.9%. This is unsustainable, and it will not work.” said Rader, R-Monroe. “The spending plan needs to be adjusted. We must expand opportunities for significant economic growth while at the same being serious about how much we spend.”

He also cited the Rainy Day Fund reduction, saying it is “ taking funding away from any emergency needs that may arise. This puts Pennsylvania in a precarious situation and is cause for concern moving forward.”

Rader said, “I look forward to working toward a budget that works for all Pennsylvanians. We must expand opportunities for significant economic growth. I believe a more balanced, commonsense approach to government is the solution to make Pennsylvania a better place to live.”

Rep. David Argall: “Pennsylvania families are still grappling with everyday costs,” Argall said. “Now is not the time to drain our emergency reserves or expand government spending to unsustainable levels.”

Argall emphasized his efforts to restrain spending: “We’ve successfully fought to eliminate harmful taxes like the $1.5 billion RGGI electricity tax. These victories help protect working families across Pennsylvania.”

Argall agreed with the governor that housing is a critical issue: “I am committed to expanding public-private partnerships to deliver more housing in our region, and we need policies that promote homeownership and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers.”

“As a member of our state Senate’s majority leadership team, I will continue to advocate for honest budgeting, restrained spending and policies that help more Pennsylvanians achieve the American dream throughout this large district in Carbon, Luzerne and Schuylkill counties,” Argall said.