Armanini weighs in on Shapiro budget proposal

HARRISBURG – State Reps. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield/ Elk) released the following statement in reaction to Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposal to increase spending by nearly 6% during the 2023-24 fiscal year:

“Taxpayers know it, business owners know it…you can't spend what you don't have. At a time when Pennsylvania households are being challenged to make ends meet, the governor's budget proposal does little to address those concerns by increasing overall spending to the tune of nearly 6% from last year. He isn't proposing clearly defined tax increases, but some of his spending proposals will eventually need to somehow be paid for.

“Don't misunderstand - there are wise investments being made. Increased education funding and addressing mental health issues in our schools paint the picture of a better future. A more inviting climate for existing businesses and those thinking of moving here benefits all Pennsylvanians and the governor's desire to further reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax is a great start.

“But how do we pay for it? The governor wants to annually access the nearly $5 billion Rainy Day Fund, a figure that is in line with many other states and was built with bipartisan support. This is our safety net, and forecasters say the economic pain is far from over. The ‘hurt' imposed on households by inflation will be aggravated as Shapiro doesn't plan to reverse the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) or recognize Pennsylvania's existing energy sources that must be part of a balanced energy portfolio. In fact, he's proposing 32 new RGGI-related jobs while failing to acknowledge the damage done to the current and future employment picture by this tax on energy.

“Government spending is inevitable. Spending irresponsibly and in excess of what is reasonable is irresponsible. This is just a proposal, one which will be closely scrutinized during the upcoming House Appropriations Committee hearings.”

Questions about this or any legislative issue may be directed to Armanini's DuBois office at 1-814-375-4688 or his St Marys office at 1-814-781-6301.

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA) President David Kennedy issued the following statement on the 2023-24 budget proposal from Gov. Josh Shapiro:

“Gov. Shapiro recognizes the first duty of government is the safety of its citizens. We would like to commend him for providing a dedicated funding stream for the Pennsylvania State Police and proposing four new cadet classes in the next state budget to hire 384 new troopers, as well as the additional steps he wants to take to provide more law enforcement officers for Pennsylvania's communities.

“Right now, the biggest issue law enforcement faces is the recruitment and retention of good police officers. Here in the commonwealth, Pennsylvania police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police have not been immune. Departments across Pennsylvania, and America, are suffering from some of their lowest numbers ever. In 2019, before the pandemic, police recruitment in the United States was already dire. The resignation rate in 2020-21 increased by 18% and the retirement rate rose by 45%, according to a survey conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum.

“The PSTA looks forward to working with Gov. Shapiro and the General Assembly during the upcoming budget process to make Pennsylvanians safer by giving police officers the resources and backup they need to accomplish their mission.”