HARRISBURG – Senate Appropriations Committee members raised concerns about the level of spending in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget, inefficiencies in state government, and the potential consequences of irresponsible budgeting during today’s budget hearings.

Governor’s Budget Office/Department of Revenue

The governor’s $53.3 billion budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026-27 would increase spending by $2.7 billion, 5.4% more than the current budget.

Senator Martin on Governor Shapiro’s tax proposals, the growth in tax refunds, improving the delivery of EITC funding, and more

Senator Martin on making Pennsylvania more competitive, supporting school choice, the growth in spending proposed for the Department of Corrections, the consequences of the governor’s proposed spending increase, the potential for new broad-based taxes, concerns regarding the structural deficit, and more

Full Hearing

Video Highlights

Questions were raised about the governor’s proposed elimination of several tax credits and changes to other existing tax credit programs.

The Shapiro administration’s history of underestimating the future growth of expenditures was highlighted.

The struggles of the Lottery Fund were detailed, as well as the future of programs that are vital to seniors.

The future of funding for hazardous sites cleanup and well plugging was discussed.

The dwindling amount of revenue coming into the General Fund from the LCB was questioned.

The impact of the governor’s proposed new taxes was discussed.

Department of Labor and Industry/Department of Community and Economic Development

Lawmakers also questioned representatives from the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development on the status of Pennsylvania’s workforce development programs.

Senator Martin on meeting the demands of the workforce, grappling with economic and demographic challenges, the tremendous success of Tec Centro, supporting the continued success of Grow PA, and more

Full Hearing

Video Highlights

The importance of apprenticeship programs in training the future workforce was highlighted.

How workforce development influences the state’s efforts to support and attract business growth was explored.

Coordination between schools and businesses through the Schools-to-Work Grant Program was discussed.

Ideas were discussed on how to expand capacity for nursing education programs.

An update was provided on efforts to support workforce development in the agriculture industry. 

How the departments are working to ensure workers are properly trained and classified to aid in the deployment of broadband was discussed.

You can find recaps and video from every Senate budget hearing at PASenateGOP.com.

CONTACT: Jason Thompson