Struzzi Supports Budget Package to Protect Taxpayers and Help Communities

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), Chairman of the House Republican Appropriations Committee, voted today to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget, which allocates $50.85 billion for state government operations for the fiscal year that runs through June 30, 2027.

“I am proud to support this year’s state budget package, which meets the needs of our Commonwealth without overspending,” Struzzi said. “The budget represents a 3.7% increase over the budget last year, well below the 5.7% increase the governor asked for and within the range of the Taxpayer Protection Act.”

Struzzi noted that the extended Fiscal Year 2025-26 impasse and subsequent policy changes influenced the agreement reached today.

“House Republicans secured significant policy victories last year, including ending the governor’s carbon tax proposal, known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, reducing regulatory barriers, and implementing anti-fraud measures in Human Services Programs,” Struzzi shared. “These actions led to revenue growth exceeding $1 billion, strengthening our financial position.”

“I am pleased to announce this budget invests substantially in rural Pennsylvania, including $775 million for rural roads and bridges,” Struzzi said. “It also increases career and technical education funding by $10 million, eliminating the trade school waiting list. School districts will receive historic funding increases, with an additional $903 million for PreK-12 education, raising the total to $18.94 billion for FY 2026-27. School districts within the 62nd House District, Homer-Center, Indiana Area, Penns Manor Area, River Valley, and United are allocated a combined $58.4 million.”

Struzzi emphasized that affordability remains a significant concern for retired Indiana County residents, which is why this budget includes a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for Pre-Act 9 retirees, professional firefighters, and police officers receiving pensions.

“Living on a fixed income is challenging, especially for public servants who retired before 2001,” Struzzi added. “This budget provides a COLA for Pre-Act 9 retirees, including many teachers, police officers, and professional firefighters. You served our community; now it is our turn to support you.”

As Chairman of the House Republican Appropriations Committee, Struzzi guided his caucus through the budget process, from the governor’s address to hearings, negotiations, and final approval.

“I am happy to report during our budget hearings it came to our attention the Attorney General’s Office was not receiving the financial support they requested,” Struzzi said. “This final budget increases their funding by over $20 million, including a $15 million line-item for law enforcement support.”

“Every budget presents challenges, and this year was no exception,” Struzzi concluded. “The Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget achieves a balance by prioritizing fiscal responsibility while meeting the needs of Pennsylvania’s citizens.”



Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives