Reichard: Shapiro Proposes Highest Spending in PA History

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – In response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal to increase spending by $3.6 billion, Rep. Chad Reichard (R-Franklin) issued the following statement: 

“What we heard today from the governor was a record-breaking proposal to increase spending by 7.5%, to $51.5 billion. This is the largest price tag in the history of Pennsylvania. It’s ridiculous. We don’t have the revenue coming in to fund the governors’ unbalanced spending proposal, nor should we continue to increase the size of state government.

“He does plan to legalize marijuana to cover some of the cost of his spending hikes. However, I have serious concerns with legalizing marijuana, including whether the expected revenue actually adds up. Even if marijuana is legalized in Pennsylvania, it remains a federally scheduled drug, and people who use it may not be able to legally purchase and own firearms. Additionally, employers would still, as they should, have the right to perform drug tests on current and potential employees. 

“I do have to tip my hat to the governor for his renewed commitment to workforce development, something I have been advocating for in Harrisburg. We have too many open skilled jobs that pay family-sustaining wages in Franklin County, which I believe can be filled through improved workforce development initiatives. I also applaud him for advancing permitting reform to get government out of the way of business. 

“Unfortunately, these are only small facets of the proposal I see benefiting our residents. A major initiative that hurts citizens of the 90th District is the governor’s plan to increase the Sales and Use Tax to fund public transit in Philadelphia. Large amounts of tax dollars from Franklin County shouldn’t be bussed halfway across the state to benefit others, when it would do a lot of good here. 

“Thankfully, this was just his proposal, the governor’s wish list. I look forward to being part of the process and getting to work on a more realistic plan for Pennsylvania. A plan that will respect taxpayers, shrink government and reduce waste.” 


Representative Chad Reichard
90th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
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