Kutz: It’s Time to Work Toward a Responsible Budget
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) issued a statement detailing his reaction to today’s budget address by Gov. Josh Shapiro for the 2025-26 fiscal year:
“As a two-year member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have many reservations about the $51.47 billion budget proposed by the governor today. Most significantly, the proposed budget spends down all of the state’s $2.89 billion General Fund surplus and requires transferring $1.6 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to balance. This type of spending puts the Commonwealth in an unstable long-term financial position, and I’m deeply concerned about the drastic spending increase the governor has proposed.
“Now that we’ve heard the governor’s proposal, the House Appropriations Committee can begin meeting with state agency leaders to negotiate spending. I am looking forward to participating in three weeks of hearings and playing a direct role in shaping a more responsible budget that funds Pennsylvania’s needed programs without leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for frivolous spending.
“As budget negotiations continue, I will keep my legislative priorities for the session close at hand. I’m committed to making Pennsylvania and Cumberland County better places to live, work and raise a family. Fighting back tax increases from the budget will be a key part of that goal in the coming months.”
The deadline for the 2025-26 budget is Monday, June 30.
Questions about the budget, House Appropriations Committee hearings or any other state-related issue can be directed to Kutz’s office at 717-975-2235.