Mar. 07, 2023
HARRISBURG – Following the annual state budget address Tuesday in which Gov. Josh Shapiro outlined a $45.8 billion spending plan for the 2023-24 fiscal year, Rep. Ryan Warner (R-Fayette) issued the following statement:
“The governor’s budget address essentially serves as his administration’s wish list. Unfortunately, it spends far beyond what we can afford. The governor’s proposal would increase state spending by about $2.5 billion, nearly 6% more than the current year, and puts us on a path of spending down the nearly $8 billion in budgetary reserves and Rainy Day Fund within the next five years. These funds should be used to protect taxpayers from the impacts of emergencies or economic downturn, not new programs. The plan also aims to hide spending with more budget gimmicks that rob Pennsylvanians of the openness and transparency they deserve from their government.
“I am also frustrated by the governor’s plan to continue the state’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will negatively impact the state’s energy industry and the jobs it provides. It will also negatively impact consumers who are already struggling under the weight of inflation with higher energy bills.
“While these are significant concerns, it is important to understand the governor’s proposal is simply a starting point. I’m certain there are areas within the plan that we can agree upon, such as plans to improve the permitting process that has proven to be a roadblock for so many employers who may wish to locate or expand here. I look forward to working on a final budget that will best serve the people of the Commonwealth.”
Warner is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which is charged with delving into the details of the governor’s plan. Budget hearings will begin the week of Monday, March 20. More information about the governor’s budget is available at
PAHouseGOP.com.
Representative Ryan Warner
52nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
RepWarner.com