State Representative Thomas Kutz from Cumberland County has expressed concerns over Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The budget, amounting to $51.47 billion, suggests using the entire $2.89 billion General Fund surplus and transferring $1.6 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to achieve balance.
Kutz, who is a member of the House Appropriations Committee, stated: “As a two-year member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have many reservations about the $51.47 billion budget proposed by the governor today. Most significantly, the proposed budget spends down all of the state’s $2.89 billion General Fund surplus and requires transferring $1.6 billion from the Rainy Day Fund to balance.”
He further commented on his concerns regarding financial stability: “This type of spending puts the Commonwealth in an unstable long-term financial position, and I’m deeply concerned about the drastic spending increase the governor has proposed.”
The House Appropriations Committee will now begin discussions with state agency leaders to negotiate expenditures for this fiscal plan. Kutz anticipates participating actively in upcoming hearings aimed at developing a more sustainable budget that funds essential programs without imposing unnecessary burdens on taxpayers.
Kutz added: “Now that we’ve heard the governor’s proposal, the House Appropriations Committee can begin meeting with state agency leaders to negotiate spending. I am looking forward to participating in three weeks of hearings and playing a direct role in shaping a more responsible budget that funds Pennsylvania’s needed programs without leaving taxpayers to foot the bill for frivolous spending.”
He emphasized his legislative goals which include preventing tax increases as part of efforts to improve living conditions in Pennsylvania and Cumberland County: “As budget negotiations continue, I will keep my legislative priorities for the session close at hand. I’m committed to making Pennsylvania and Cumberland County better places to live, work and raise a family. Fighting back tax increases from the budget will be a key part of that goal in the coming months.”
The deadline for finalizing this year’s state budget is June 30.
For inquiries regarding this matter or other state-related issues, individuals are encouraged to contact Kutz’s office at 717-975-2235.
