Feb. 06, 2024
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) issued the following statement in reaction to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget address before members of the General Assembly Tuesday:
“A lot of the line items the governor mentioned increasing funding for today are vital…things like agriculture, first responders, Pre-K education and added support for individuals with intellectual disabilities among other important services. He recognizes the need to grow and develop our economy and address job growth. As a member of his inaugural Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Council, I acknowledge what he’s proposing and believe we can and should always do more to address our mental health crisis.
“However, the word ‘WOW’ best describes my initial reaction to the governor’s desire to increase spending by $3.7 billion amidst flat or declining state revenues, with $2.5 billion of that to be spent on new programs. He’s labeling our Rainy Day Fund as surplus and plans to tap a significant amount of that.
“The plan calls for an unnecessary raid on our reserves. Somewhere down the line, a tax increase will be inevitable and he could leave his successor ‘holding the bag.’ Three weeks of budget hearings begin Tuesday, Feb. 20, and I’ll be among those asking the tough questions as a member of the House Appropriations Committee. I look forward to those discussions.”
“We must move forward with a balanced budget that address the fundamental needs of Pennsylvania and builds for the future without adding additional burdens to working families and taxpayers.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.
Representative Jim Struzzi
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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