Westmoreland Review

After attending Governor Josh Shapiro's budget address, which proposes an 8.4% spending increase to a total of $48.34 billion and plans to utilize nearly $16 billion from surplus funds and the Rainy Day Fund, several House members from Westmoreland County expressed their concerns.

House Republican Caucus Chairman George Dunbar compared the governor's budget proposal to a "fantasy wish list," emphasizing the need for responsible budgeting that prioritizes government spending and makes difficult decisions without burdening taxpayers.

Representative Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) criticized the budget for its potential to lead to a tax increase on working families due to overspending and reliance on one-time savings for recurring expenses. While he agreed with certain proposals related to economic development and state police enhancements, he stressed the importance of living within financial means.

Representative Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) raised concerns about the proposed new tax revenue from legalizing recreational cannabis, questioning its impact on children and its reliability as a solution based on past experiences with gambling revenues.

Representative Leslie Rossi (R-Westmoreland) argued that the budget could bankrupt Pennsylvania by depleting reserve funds within four years and opposed relying on marijuana legalization for revenue amidst a drug addiction crisis. She described the budget as unaffordable and misleading.

Finally, Representative Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) warned that new spending would exhaust the state's surplus and Rainy Day Fund in less than three years, potentially leading to fiscal challenges solvable only through tax increases. She emphasized that reserves were meant for emergencies, not regular expenditures.

The Westmoreland County Republican Delegation voiced strong opposition to Governor Shapiro's budget plan, highlighting various concerns about its long-term implications for Pennsylvania's financial health.