Mihalek: Budget Proposal Heavy on Ceremony, Light on Fiscal Responsibility

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG –Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) issued the below statement following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address Tuesday:

“During his two-hour budget address, Gov. Shapiro showed how charismatic he is, but unfortunately, his message is a plan that fails to meet the first rule in budgeting: don’t spend more than you have. At $51.47 billion, his plan spends 7.5% more than last year. How many working Pennsylvanians can say their income increased 7.5%?

“Certainly, there are priorities I share with the governor and his concentration on Harrisburg’s most important investments, including public safety, education and human services. For the next few months, the House and Senate will put forth their proposals. I certainly will only support a budget that is responsible and keeps government to living within its means.

“I appreciate that Gov. Shapiro has ambitious plans and certainly, that ambition comes out in the pomp and circumstance of today’s presentation, complete with pauses for clapping and introducing special guests. But the dust settles rather quickly in the state capitol and there isn’t a sales pitch strong enough to hide the numbers of a bad budget proposal that writes blank checks.”

Representative Natalie Mihalek
40th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives