Mar. 07, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Lee James (R-Venango/Crawford) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s address on his proposed $45.8 billion budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year:
“While there are some good things in this budget – such as no new tax increases and education funding – the governor wants to spend recklessly at a time when families continue to struggle to pay for basic necessities. Based on projections from the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), this budget would deplete the state’s reserve fund in three years and Rainy Day Fund in five years. That is nearly $8 billion.
“It also keeps and builds on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) energy tax, to which I am strongly opposed.
“In the event we experience another economic downturn, the government would have no choice but to dig deeper into your pockets. This budget simply does not prepare for the turbulent economic climate being predicted by economists.
“House Republicans have worked tirelessly to ensure responsible spending is maintained so we can address any future needs that arise. We must maintain fiscal responsibility so we can prevent Pennsylvanians from losing more of their hard-earned dollars.
“While today’s address is a starting point on negotiations, I believe we have a ways to go. I look forward to working with my colleagues on how we can responsibly fund our core necessities.”
For more information on the 2023-24 state budget, go to
pahousegop.com.
Representative R. Lee James
64th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
Ntemple@pahousegop.com
repjames.com