Pennsylvania State Representative Ann Flood has released a statement regarding the recently passed Fiscal Year 2025-26 state budget. Flood emphasized that the budget addresses several priorities for families, students, and businesses in Pennsylvania, focusing on economic growth and government accountability.
“This year’s budget makes important strides for Pennsylvania families, students and businesses while addressing key priorities for economic growth and government accountability. While the process was not perfect, the budget includes meaningful reforms and investments that move the Commonwealth in the right direction,” said Flood.
Flood supported the Fiscal Code bill due to its inclusion of Republican priorities but voted against the $50.1 billion General Appropriations bill, citing concerns about high spending levels compared to revenue growth. She stated, “While I supported the Fiscal Code bill, which advanced several key Republican priorities, I could not support the $50.1 billion General Appropriations bill because its spending level is too high. I remain concerned that revenue growth is not keeping pace with spending and that Pennsylvania will continue to face a structural deficit if we do not make lasting fiscal reforms. Still, several priorities our caucus outlined earlier this year are included in this budget agreement, and I am proud of the progress we achieved.”
Flood highlighted legislative actions such as repealing participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and advancing permitting reforms as significant achievements aimed at stabilizing electricity costs and supporting job creation. According to her statement: “Repealing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and advancing permitting reforms are significant accomplishments. These measures will stabilize the electric grid, lower electricity costs, create jobs and reinvest revenue into our economy. They also show that Pennsylvania is open for business and ready to work with industry.”
Education funding was also addressed in this year’s budget with $50 million allocated toward school choice programs targeting schools facing major challenges while maintaining cyber charter options for families.
“Education remains a top priority. The budget provides $50 million in school choice funding for schools and students facing the greatest challenges, while preserving cyber charter options for families. These investments ensure students in crisis have access to quality educational opportunities and give parents meaningful choices for their children’s education,” she added.
The budget also strengthens Medicare services and public assistance by reviewing high Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) balances to recover funds where appropriate—an effort intended to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
“The budget also strengthens Medicare and public assistance programs. Reviewing high SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) balances and recovering funds when appropriate ensures taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and benefits reach those who truly need them. These reforms improve program integrity and accountability,” Flood said.
She further noted that reserves from Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund were preserved: “Importantly, this budget does not draw from the state’s Rainy Day Fund, preserving those reserves to protect taxpayers in the event of future economic downturns and ensuring long-term fiscal stability.”
Flood concluded by stating her ongoing commitment: “I will continue advocating for responsible spending, policies that expand opportunity, and programs that support Pennsylvania families and communities.”
