07/12/2026
My colleagues and I from York County released this statement on today's vote on the 2026-27 Pennsylvania budget:
York County’s House Republican lawmakers today issued a joint statement in response to the passage of the 2026-27 state budget. The lawmakers include Reps. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover), Mike Jones (R-York Township), Joe D’Orsie (R-Manchester), Wendy Fink (R-Red Lion), Marc Anderson (R-Dillsburg), and George H. Margetas (R-West Manchester).
“The annual budget was passed today, approving $50.85 billion in spending, representing a 5.6% increase above revenue projections. Although we’re pleased the legislature completed its budgetary obligation, albeit 12 days late, the finished product not only spends too much, but relies on accounting tricks to ‘hide’ or defer costs to the next fiscal year.
“The annual budget and the related budget bills are quite literally a list of pros and cons for those of us carefully considering our vote. This year’s product included some wins for Pennsylvanians, like its preservation of the popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs, as well as funding for rural road infrastructure. Republicans also led an initiative to block a $2 billion tax on businesses, which was part of a prior budget proposal.
“Despite some of its positives, the nearly $51 billion total comes in at about $3.65 billion over projected revenues. Further, deferments of Medicaid payments and new Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) compensation until the first day of the next fiscal year ‘hide’ over $1.5 billion from this year’s budget sheet.
“Families and businesses must live within their means and spend only what they have when they budget, but once again we’ve not adopted this principle in Harrisburg. We voted “no” on this year’s budget because rather than scale back irresponsible spending, we’ve burdened tomorrow’s taxpayers with a steep bill.
“At the current trajectory, save some drastic cuts that would be uncharacteristic of the Legislature, this budget sets Pennsylvanians up for future tax hikes. We look forward to contributing to a budget that puts taxpayers first and grows the economy, not state government.”
