Scott Martin, the state senator for Pennsylvania District 13, expressed concerns over Governor Josh Shapiro’s optimism, suggesting it overlooks a looming $6 billion budget gap that could lead to significant tax increases.
“Governor Shapiro can’t claim “Pennsylvania is on the rise,” said Martin, Pennsylvania State Senator from 13th District (R). “We are staring down a structural imbalance of up to $6 billion. That will lead to painful tax increases.”
In February 2025, Governor Shapiro introduced a $51.5 billion budget proposal for the fiscal year 2025–26, marking a 9% increase from the previous year. According to the Associated Press, the plan includes expanded funding for education, public transit, and human services while maintaining current income and sales tax rates. To balance the budget, Shapiro proposes utilizing $4.5 billion from the state’s surplus, accumulated through federal pandemic aid and elevated tax revenues. The budget also suggests legalizing marijuana and taxing skill-based gaming to generate new revenue. However, Republican lawmakers caution that such spending could strain future budgets.
City & State Pennsylvania reports that the state’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) forecasts a structural deficit of $6.01 billion by FY2025–26, an increase from earlier projections. This rise is attributed to higher anticipated costs in the Department of Human Services under Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget. The IFO warns that without new revenue sources or spending cuts, Pennsylvania could deplete its Rainy Day Fund and surplus within a few years. The office emphasizes the need for long-term fiscal planning to prevent future instability.
The Commonwealth Foundation notes that Pennsylvania has historically proposed tax increases to cover budget shortfalls, particularly under former Governor Tom Wolf. During his tenure, Wolf supported 14 tax hike proposals; however, 12 were blocked, including a plan to raise personal income tax by 46.25%, which would have been the largest in state history. These proposals illustrate a recurring strategy among state leaders to use tax policy as a means of addressing structural deficits.
According to Senator Martin’s official biography, he has served in the Pennsylvania Senate since 2017, representing the 13th District. A Republican, Martin currently chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee where he oversees fiscal legislation and budget negotiations. He previously led the Senate Education and Local Government Committees with a focus on education reform, public finance, and municipal affairs throughout his legislative career.
