House Republicans Push Back on Shapiro Budget, Cite Spending and Fiscal Risks

HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Leaders of the Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus are raising concerns over Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026–27 state budget, citing what they describe as excessive spending, reliance on unstable revenue sources, and long-term fiscal risks.

House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said the proposal mirrors past budgets from the Shapiro administration and fails to rein in government growth.

“As with past budget proposals from this administration, the product unveiled today spends too much, grows government too much and relies too much on unsustainable sources of revenue,” Topper said. He also criticized the proposed use of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, calling it an “illegitimate” move to create a $100 million fund that he said blurs the lines of federalism.

Topper emphasized that lawmakers should focus on policies that encourage economic growth while reducing the size and scope of government.

“Our number one priority must be providing the foundation for substantial economic growth in the Commonwealth to balance any future state budgets,” Topper said. “We also must begin—right now—the hard work of reducing the size and scope of government so we do not continue to take too much from hardworking Pennsylvania taxpayers who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

House Republican Whip Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) echoed concerns over affordability, calling the proposal irresponsible and warning it could worsen financial pressures on residents.

“The affordability crisis is real and people are struggling,” O’Neal said. “This proposal by Gov. Shapiro is irresponsible and will contribute to rising costs across the state.”

O’Neal added that lawmakers should avoid relying on new taxes or accounting measures to close budget gaps, instead prioritizing economic growth.

“The only way to raise revenue without digging deeper into the pockets of Pennsylvanians is to inject new life into our state’s economy,” he said. “Get government out of the way by making it easier for people to save money, get to work and earn in Pennsylvania.”

House Republican Appropriations Committee Chairman Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) noted that the governor’s proposal marks the beginning of the budget process and highlighted the size of the spending plan.

“This $53.26 billion budget is an increase of $2.72 billion, or 5.4%, over the current fiscal year,” Struzzi said.

Struzzi said he has concerns beyond the proposed spending levels, including the revenue plan and the Commonwealth’s long-term fiscal stability. He said the upcoming budget hearings will allow lawmakers to closely examine the proposal.

“I look forward to our three weeks of budget hearings to review this budget line-by-line and work toward a compromise budget that meets the needs of all Pennsylvanians,” Struzzi said.

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