Bernstine: Shapiro’s Irresponsible Budget Will Lead to Tax Hikes

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG - Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) today fiercely criticized Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed state budget during the General Assembly’s joint session.
 
“This budget is laughable, but the sad part is, it’s not funny. Gov. Shapiro, or as I call him, ‘Little Obama,’ followed in the footsteps of his favorite former tax and spend politician by unveiling a $51.47 billion budget proposal that increases government spending by $3.57 billion - an unsustainable 7.5% jump over the current fiscal year.”
 
Bernstine didn’t hold back on the potential impacts of Shapiro’s proposal. “The governor’s massive spending plan ignores reality and burdens families and future generations with new taxes and more debt. If we spend the way the governor wants to, Pennsylvania taxpayers and job creators will be on the hook for it with massive tax hikes in the future.”
 
“Additionally, this budget would close two prisons, directly compromising public safety. It targets small businesses by adding new taxes on revenue sources such as skill games, hitting our already-hurting local economies.
 
Bernstine also criticized Shapiro’s proposed energy taxes. “The governor’s energy tax proposal doesn’t just undermine our economy; it will hike our energy bills and cost jobs. I want more businesses to come to the 8th District. Gov. Shapiro’s budget will have them running in the opposite direction.”

The governor’s budget proposal will be analyzed during three weeks of House Appropriations Committee public hearings beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

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