Cumberland Valley News

Senator Greg Rothman from Harrisburg expressed his disapproval following Governor Josh Shapiro's call for increased taxes and spending in the annual budget address. Rothman, a member of the Republican Party, firmly stated that "Pennsylvanians want responsible spending and limited government." He criticized the governor’s proposal as an increase in tax burdens on working citizens, along with expanding the government’s size, describing such actions as unsustainable.

Rothman pointed out that the proposal arrives during a period where the Independent Fiscal Office forecasts a substantial deficit, remarking, "Proposing such a spending plan, at a time when the Independent Fiscal Office is projecting a massive deficit, is irresponsible."

Highlighting economic issues, Rothman noted that, "Out-of-control government spending in Washington D.C. over the last four years has resulted in record inflation and economic calamity. Pennsylvanians rejected those failed policies and for good reason." He believes that the state should avoid replicating policies he sees as unsuccessful at a federal level.

Rothman argues that "Pennsylvanians cannot afford Governor Shapiro’s spending plan and do not want to send more of their hard-earned money to be spent by politicians in Harrisburg." Instead, he suggested a focus on cutting tax rates and addressing inefficiencies, stating, "It’s time to identify and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. It’s time to respect hardworking Pennsylvanians. Government should spend within its means, just like Pennsylvania households do."

CONTACT: Morgan Wagner