Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — Leaders in the Pennsylvania House and Senate have responded to Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal, and few are impressed.
Hearings for budget negotiations will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6.
Pennsylvania officials complain that Shapiro’s big spending plan significantly outpaces revenues. They say his focus on legalizing recreational marijuana and corner store gambling are degenerate proposals for increasing revenue. They also criticize Shapiro’s plans for education funding.
However, during an interview yesterday with FOX43 discussing his budget dilemma, Shapiro turned the attention to President Trump’s proposals to freeze federal aid and impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, suggesting Trump’s policy is threatening the economic stability of Pennsylvanians.
Meanwhile the fallout from Shapiro’s unsuccessful bid for Vice President during the 2024 Presidential Election continues to shock Pennsylvania as escalating public scandals have begun to define the Governor’s legacy at a time when he is being sharply criticized for his budget proposal.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Alex Ryncavage criticized Shapiro’s budget proposal to increase spending by nearly 8% while state revenues are only expected to grow by 2.8%.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Tom Jones sharply criticized Shapiro’s plan. In his remarks, Jones, he said, “We should transform our energy policy and open the tap to the natural gas reserves that are right here in our state.”
Pennsylvania State Rep. Joanna McClinton approves of Shapiro’s proposal and highlighted the funding for public transit.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Craig Williams criticized Shapiro’s plans for education funding.
Pennsylvania Senator Tracy Pennychuick said, “Pennsylvania must prioritize smart investments in education and our economy, keep our fiscal house in order, and respect taxpayer dollars.”
Pennsylvania State Rep. Barb Gleim called Shapiro’s approach unsustainable.
The Pennsylvania Democratic Policy Committee is thrilled with Shapiro’s big spending initiative.
Pennsylvania Senator Joe Pittman criticized Shapiro and said, “The Senate Appropriations Committee will hold a series of hearings to closely examine the spending plan to determine how it can be improved. The hearings will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6.”
Pennsylvania Senator Chris Gebhard said, “The assumptions in the governor’s budget plan are not just optimistic, they are completely unrealistic.”
Pennsylvania State Rep. Jamie Walsh criticized Shapiro’s funding proposal for rural Pennsylvania schools.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Joe McAndrew is excited for Shapiro’s budget proposal to legalize recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania.
While Pennsylvania State Rep. Tom Mehaffie criticized the budget as a “groundhog day” copycat version of last year’s big spending proposal, he did have some kind words for Shapiro’s education and energy policy.
Director Dave Sanko of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors also spoke out critically of Shapiro’s proposal.
Harrisburg100 
Stealing tax dollars from rural PA to pay for the ballot stuffing and vote cheating in Philly. Absolutely disgusting. Will anyone hold Shapiro accountable? Will the democrats support this and allow it to continue?
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