FILE – Pennsylvania Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks during a news conference in Philadelphia, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. Shapiro unveils his first budget next week, poor districts that won a landmark school-funding lawsuit want him to propose a significant down payment and a plan to overhaul how Pennsylvania pays for K-12 education. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Rep. Jim Marshall (R-Beaver) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s address on his proposed $45.8 billion budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year:
“This is the starting point of crafting a budget that considers the needs of our residents. In this proposal, Beaver County Public Schools will see increased funding, Pennsylvanians will see no new tax increases and this proposal also recognizes the value of our first responders and reduces the burdens they face.
“I look forward to working with the governor and my colleagues on reaching a final agreement that grows our economy while being mindful of taxpayers and job creators.”

State Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday:

“As always, the governor’s budget proposal acts as a framework to be debated and negotiated in the coming months. But, in my judgment, it’s a solid foundation with several key areas that I support.

“This budget calls for no new taxes, cuts business taxes and eliminates the cell phone tax. It expands eligibility and increases rebate amounts for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. It contains significant funding opportunities and increases for police, fire and EMS. It implements a new tax credit for those who want to become cops, nurses and teaches, and would also raise the state’s minimum wage.

“Perhaps most importantly, there are education increases across the board, from pre-K through higher ed, that would bring tens of millions of additional dollars to Beaver County schools. All while keeping $5 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

“I was further encouraged to hear the governor highlight his support for bringing a hydrogen hub to Southwest PA and reaffirm his commitment to assisting those affected by – and holding Norfolk Southern accountable for – the recent train derailment.

“Again, this is just the first step in what may be a long process, but it’s a good first step that would bring real investments and improvements to Beaver County and our communities.”

State Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) issued the following statement on the 2023-24 state budget plan announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro today:
“I am looking forward to working with Gov. Shapiro and his administration going into this budget season. I think there is a lot of work to be done and we need to be very careful. Yes, we are at our strongest financial position in decades. However, the non-partisan Independent Fiscal Office projects a structural imbalance of $1.5 billion to more than $3 billion every year beginning next year. It is important to note that the spending level proposed in Gov. Shapiro’s plan is not sustainable in future years and would almost completely deplete the state’s Rainy Day Fund by 2027-28. His own acting Revenue Secretary has been warning us for years, while he was the Senate Appropriations Chairman, of the structural deficit and dangers of using the Rainy Day Fund as a piggy bank.

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Josh Shapiro’s address on his proposed state budget for fiscal year 2023-24, which spends 5.9% more than the current year:
“Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal calls for massive spending and bigger government. His $45.8 billion proposal is a slap in the face to taxpayers who are already feeling the pain of skyrocketing inflation and price increases.
“Additionally, minimum wage hikes, marijuana legalization and the rest of Shapiro’s far-left wish list will only serve to further crush our small businesses and erode our communities. The state’s economy is on the fast track to billion-dollar deficits. Now is the time to practice fiscal responsibility, not take taxpayers on a reckless spending spree.”