(File Photo of State Representative Josh Kail)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro delivered his state budget address to outline his $53.26 billion proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in Harrisburg on Tuesday, which is a 5.4% increase in spending over the current fiscal year. According to a release in Harrisburg yesterday from State Representative Joshua D. Kail’s (R-Beaver/Washington) office, Kail issued the following statement:

“Similar to past budgets, this spends way too much. Pennsylvanians would lose more money to taxes, and the Rainy Day Fund, which is designed to cover emergencies, would see a 60% reduction in its balance to go toward the governor’s priorities. This plan is wide of the mark of addressing the affordability and energy crises the Commonwealth is experiencing. As families continue facing an onslaught of expensive grocery and energy bills, the goal should be to reign in spending. We must implement sound energy policy that unleashes the resources beneath our feet. By maximizing our potential, we can lower prices and attract key investment opportunities to Pennsylvania. We have a distinct advantage with our abundance of resources and getting them to market. Unfortunately, Harrisburg is standing in the way of prosperity – causing families to flee to our neighboring states while the Commonwealth remains stagnant. Pennsylvania should not be interested in being just competitive. We should strive to dominate and be the envy of the nation. Affordability is not a left versus right issue. It’s a bipartisan matter. For us to achieve affordability, we need to have tough discussions centered on facts. We have the tools to leverage economic growth and business opportunities, but we must simplify the process and get out of the way so everyone can benefit. If the finalized product reflects this vision, I will vote in favor of it.”