HARRISBURG – Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16) released the following statement following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address that would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% over the current year’s budget:
“Warnings from Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and the state’s Independent Fiscal Office have become increasingly dire regarding serious financial consequences the state and its taxpayers may face. If the state followed Shapiro’s spending plans, there would be a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances in five years.
“Shapiro’s grand spending plan simply isn’t something we can afford without high tax increases – which no one wants. Rather than spending with abandon, I am committed to searching for efficiencies and cost reductions while continuing to fund core government responsibilities such as public safety and basic education.
“As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, my role with the state budget will officially begin with budget hearings in just a couple of weeks. State government agencies will appear before the committee to advocate for their financial needs and answer questions from the committee about their spending.
“I look forward to making diligent assessments about all spending proposals and prudent decisions about what taxpayers can afford.”
WATCH: Sen. Jarrett Coleman shares the plan to transition from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s fantasy budget to one that respects taxpayers.
CONTACT: Leo Knepper, 717-787-1349