Shapiro Again Wants to Spend Too Much, Create New Taxes, O’Neal Says

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) today issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s almost $51.5 billion Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget:

“This budget proposal is more of the same. It spends too much, eliminates our budget surplus and creates taxes. The current budget required spending $3.3 billion from the budget surplus. Instead of tightening the reins for the coming fiscal year, the governor wants to increase spending by 7.5%. This makes no sense and is not sustainable.

“Instead, we should be investing in our economy and our people. We should be focused on reforming our tax and permitting process to encourage businesses to come to Pennsylvania and those who are already here to expand. To add insult to injury, the governor is eliminating the Waterfront Development and Video Game tax credits, which have benefited western Pennsylvania.

“The only two options we have are to raise taxes or grow our economy. I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who believes raising taxes is the answer. Luckily, this is just the start of the annual budget process. I will work hard in the coming months to advocate for a plan that will set Pennsylvania on the path to grow.”

More information on Shapiro’s 2025-26 proposal is available at pahousegop.com.

The 48th Legislative District in Washington County covers the city of Washington; Amwell, part of Carroll (Districts 3, 4 and 5), East Finley, Fallowfield, Morris, North Franklin, part of North Strabane (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5), Nottingham, Somerset, South Franklin, South Strabane, and West Finley townships; and the boroughs of Donora, East Washington and Green Hills.