Senator Lisa Baker (R-20) has responded to Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.3 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, expressing concerns about its viability and impact on taxpayers and businesses.
Baker emphasized the importance of passing a balanced budget without delay. “Our common starting point must be delivering a legitimately balanced budget on time. We fail Pennsylvania if any side digs in and forces another nonproductive stalemate,” she stated.
She criticized the governor’s approach, noting repeated attempts to increase spending alongside proposals for new taxes that have not succeeded in previous years. “The governor once again marries big spending increases with proposed taxes he has failed to achieve in past years. Speculative revenues are never a good way to support continuing spending. It is hard to see where additional votes would come from, because the arguments for and against have not changed,” Baker said.
Baker argued that a state spending increase exceeding 5% would be difficult for taxpayers to accept, especially those seeking better outcomes from current funding levels. She also raised concerns about the effect on businesses facing workforce shortages and other challenges. “A state spending increase of more than 5% is not going to sell with taxpayers who are demanding better results from existing funding. Nor is it going to set well with job creators already struggling to cope with worker shortages and other uncertainties,” she said.
On energy policy, Baker called for a mix of strategies aimed at lowering prices through policy changes, grid improvements, and support for both traditional and alternative sources. “Lowering energy prices is a shared goal. This is going to require a combination of revamped policies, improving the grid to give customers more reliable choices, and leaving the door open for both traditional and alternative energy sources. With the demands of new development, energy production is not really an either-or choice. Competition is necessary if we want lower prices,” she stated.
Acknowledging political divisions within government, Baker highlighted her efforts to prevent future budget impasses by introducing legislation designed to ensure continued funding for key services during negotiations. “We all understand the challenges and difficulties involved in advancing individual agendas when government is divided. I have introduced legislation to prevent a repeat of last year’s impasse, so that state dollars will continue to fund important needs, such as education and programs from seniors and vulnerable populations that depend on critical social services, while negotiations continue.”
For further information, contact Jennifer Wilson.
