Upper Bucks Today

In response to Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget of $48.3 billion, which would increase state spending by 8.4%, Representative Craig Staats expressed his concerns. Staats highlighted the positives of the budget, such as the significant increase to the Basic Education Fund (BEF). However, he raised multiple concerns about the additional spending initiatives proposed by the governor.

Staats pointed out that these new spending initiatives amount to $2.5 billion, either expanding current government programs or creating new ones. His main concern lies in the fact that this spending increase would cut into Pennsylvania's surplus and Rainy Day Fund. He stated, "I have specific concern with the fact that this spending increase will cut into Pennsylvania's surplus and Rainy Day Fund according to his proposal."

Drawing on his nearly a decade of experience in Harrisburg, Staats believes that it is possible to balance a budget without dipping into the $8 billion General Fund surplus and the Rainy Day Fund. He emphasized that this has been done before and expressed hope for a strong, bipartisan agreement on a budget during the upcoming months of budget hearings and negotiations.

Staats emphasized the need to move away from unnecessary spending and instead focus on fiscal responsibility and securing Pennsylvania's future. He stated, "I hope to see a strong, bipartisan agreement on a budget that moves away from unnecessary spending and instead focuses on fiscal responsibility and securing Pennsylvania's future."

As a representative for the 145th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Staats remains committed to addressing these concerns and advocating for a responsible budget.