House Democrats continue to push for spending increases with taxpayer dollars and are ignoring the economic challenges of working-class households, says Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon.

“Yesterday, House Democrats put forth a budget proposal that is fiscally irresponsible,” Heffley said. “A 14% year-over-year spending increase is unsustainable, will require massive tax increases and will deplete the $5 billion Rain Day Fund that we fought to build over the years.”

Compared to the $45.9 billion budget introduced by Gov. Josh Shapiro, the House Democrats’ plan increases spending by $1.08 billion over what the governor proposed. It is a $5.7 billion increase or 14% over the current fiscal year.

“This budget will guarantee citizens will see a 40% energy tax; weaponize the Department of Labor and Industry to attack our small businesses; and turn a blind eye to the fraud, waste and abuse of our government programs. Careless policies and spending are not the answer. The budget proposed by the Democrats is a poison pill for the economic future of this Commonwealth.”

House Bill 611, the proposed budget bill, passed by a strict party-line vote of 102-101 and is headed to the Senate.

“I will continue to fight for taxpayers and support policies that make it more affordable to live here in Pennsylvania,” Heffley said.

Editor’s note: Video link for more comments found here: https://www.repheffley.com/video/latestvideo.