Dauphin News

Senate Republicans in Pennsylvania plan to scrutinize Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2025-26 budget, which amounts to $51.5 billion, reflecting a $3.6 billion increase from the previous year. This proposal has sparked concern among Senate Republicans about potential fiscal instability.

Senator Camera Bartolotta criticized the budget for its reliance on what she described as "very creative and disingenuous accounting" that could lead to future tax hikes. She argued that the projections in the budget were unrealistic and accused Shapiro of presenting an unbalanced financial plan based on speculative revenue forecasts.

The budget has been criticized for potentially depleting the state's emergency savings and necessitating a significant tax increase within eighteen months. Additionally, it does not account for revenues or expenses related to Shapiro's new energy initiative called "Lightning," leaving questions about its impact on household budgets and state finances.

Bartolotta also raised concerns about Shapiro's stance on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which she described as an $800 million energy tax that would raise electricity rates and affect jobs in the energy sector. She noted that a Commonwealth Court ruling deemed Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI unconstitutional, but Shapiro appealed this decision.

On a positive note, Bartolotta acknowledged Shapiro's recognition of the shortage of healthcare professionals in Pennsylvania and supported his endorsement of her legislation aimed at expanding practice authority for nurse practitioners. Her Senate Bill 25 seeks to allow certified registered nurse practitioners greater independence after meeting specific requirements.

The Senate Appropriations Committee is set to hold hearings from February 18 through March 6 to assess and potentially improve upon the proposed budget.