Feb. 06, 2024
HARRISBURG – Rep. Rich Irvin (R-Franklin/Huntingdon) today issued the following statement following the governor’s 2024-25 state budget proposal before the General Assembly that seeks to spend $48.34 billion, which is an 8.4% increase in state dollars over the current fiscal year budget:
“Today’s budget proposal contained a laundry list of spending that would wipe out half of the state’s reserves and lead to an increase in taxes.
“His plan is wholly irresponsible and not based in reality. He is proposing to add $2.5 billion to the state budget to create new programs and expand existing government programs. This is counter to what the people I represent are telling me they want. I am hearing the people of Pennsylvania want government to shrink, not grow, and they want their taxes to, at the very least, not increase.
“The Commonwealth – like the people who call it home – needs to live within its means. I expect better from our state’s top leader and am hopeful he will be flexible on his wish list and work with the General Assembly to draft something more reasonable and realistic that focuses on the core functions of government.
“What was unveiled today is not something that could ever gain an affirmative vote from me.
“I expect better, and the people of Pennsylvania deserve better.”
Beginning the week of Feb. 19, the House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings with the various state agencies to further investigate details of the governor’s plan. A final, agreed-to budget is due by June 30.
Representative Rich Irvin
81st Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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