Jul. 06, 2023
HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement after voting “no” to the state’s $45.5 billion state budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year:
“While there are many positive things in this spending plan, overall, the budget spends more than what the government is projected to bring in. That is simply irresponsible. Additionally, it does not adequately save for the future economic downturn that many economists are predicting. This budget represents an increase in spending of 6%.
“The only way to pay for this overspending is, first, to spend through emergency reserves and then increase taxes. Government needs to be more fiscally responsible and must start treating taxpayers with greater respect.
“This budget falls short of completing critical steps toward a child-first, family-focused education. Removing $100 million from the budget that would have provided money to children from K-12 in the lowest-performing schools is unacceptable. The PA Award for Student Success (PASS) scholarship program in Pennsylvania would have given these students better educational opportunities, preparing them to succeed in the future.
“Protecting taxpayers will remain one of my top priorities.”