Berks County News

Today, Governor Josh Shapiro presented his budget priorities for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Representative Jamie Barton of Berks/Schuylkill responded critically to the governor's proposal.

Barton stated, "Gov. Shapiro delivered his 2024 budget address with grace and eloquence. His ‘Obama-esque’ presentation was fluid, well-rehearsed and nearly flawless! He’s very good at this part of the job. He’s also very good at spending taxpayers’ money, which, quite frankly, did not sit well with me at all."

He further criticized Shapiro's approach by saying, "Reflecting on Gov. Shapiro as a businessperson, I will tell you that he’s an incredibly well-seasoned salesperson with a lousy product! The governor seemed to take a page out of Oprah Winfrey’s playbook, offering free stuff to everyone who will listen. This isn’t governing."

The proposed budget amounts to just under $50 billion, marking an 8.4% increase over the previous year's budget. Barton questioned how this spending would be financed: "You may ask yourself ‘just how does he plan to pay for all this spending?’ That’s a good question! Unfortunately, Gov. Shapiro didn’t offer solutions in his spending plan, except for legalizing and taxing marijuana, taxing skill games and reducing our prison population by putting drug dealers on the street and expunging their records. At best, these solutions aren’t sustainable. At worst, they’re dangerous."

Barton compared Pennsylvania unfavorably to Ohio: "Gov. Shapiro often talks about how competitive he is. He did not disappoint today, referring to Ohio kicking our butt in many areas." He attributed Ohio's success to its Republican leadership and lower taxes: "For starters, they have a Republican governor and a Republican Legislature who are business-friendly! Likewise, they have a 0% Corporate Net Income Tax compared to our 8.49% here in PA."

Barton concluded by emphasizing the need for hard work rather than increased spending: "I am of firm belief that in our homes, in our businesses and in our Commonwealth we can’t just fix problems by spending more money."

The governor's proposal marks the beginning of Pennsylvania's budget process with several hearings scheduled before the June 30 deadline.