Struzzi on Shapiro Budget Proposal: Many Good Points but RGGI Remains

March 7, 2023

HARRISBURG – A nearly 6% increase in spending and a desire to raid Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund are the hallmarks of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) issued the following statement in reaction to the governor’s spending plan:

“It’s worth noting a great deal of time exists between now and the end of the current fiscal year on June 30. But while Gov. Shapiro’s address is merely a proposal and Appropriations Committee hearings will closely examine it, the speech offers a window into his intentions.

“Positives…the governor acknowledges the need to make Pennsylvania more inviting to businesses and competitive with neighboring states. I wholeheartedly agree with his desire to continue lowering of the Corporate Net Income Tax and enacting other business-friendly initiatives which positively impact all Pennsylvanians.

“All Indiana County school students stand to benefit under his proposal, including an emphasis on mental health funding. The governor’s desire to increase the Homestead Farmstead Exemption would provide property tax relief and his proposed investments in first responders, law enforcement and roads and bridges would increase public safety and strengthen our infrastructure.

“That being said, the shadow of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) will apparently continue. During the prior administration, then-Attorney General Shapiro played coy with his opinion. He’s now shown his hand. The governor wants to create 32 RGGI-related jobs but, like his predecessor, has no plan to address the pending job losses in local communities, the inevitable rise in statewide energy prices and recognition of Pennsylvania’s existing natural resources as part of a balanced energy portfolio.

“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to further examining his proposal and promoting responsible use of taxpayer dollars.”

Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.





62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
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