Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 14:37
Jones: Governor Proposes Yet Another Big Spend Budget
Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG - Rep. Tom Jones (R-Lancaster/Lebanon) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro's budget plan to again outspend what Pennsylvania collects in tax revenue:
"Just a few months after the current fiscal year's budget was finally completed, we heard today a very similar spending plan that led to the months-long impasse. Yet again Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to spend more than we can afford. This time, he is proposing to spend $6.5 billion more than the revenue the state collects in his $53.26 billion spending plan. It will certainly lead to a depleted Rainy Day Fund and likely tax hikes for all Pennsylvanians.
"The governor once again wants to introduce vice taxes to cover his spending hikes. Yet again he is seeking to tax skill games and legalize recreational marijuana. Relying on vice taxes is not a reliable budgeting method and puts Pennsylvanians in jeopardy of addictive habits that could have far-reaching negative impacts on families.
"If the governor wants to truly grow the economy, we must do more to tap into the bountiful natural resources Pennsylvania is blessed with. We have a massive supply of energy under our feet that would make the Commonwealth the leading powerhouse in the energy sector. With increased energy production, we would see increased revenue that would bring true property tax relief to all Pennsylvanians, both seniors and young families.
"In the months ahead, my House Republican colleagues and I will work to deliver a responsible budget that protects taxpayers and prioritizes responsible growth for our Commonwealth."
Representative Tom Jones
98th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
[email protected]
"Just a few months after the current fiscal year's budget was finally completed, we heard today a very similar spending plan that led to the months-long impasse. Yet again Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to spend more than we can afford. This time, he is proposing to spend $6.5 billion more than the revenue the state collects in his $53.26 billion spending plan. It will certainly lead to a depleted Rainy Day Fund and likely tax hikes for all Pennsylvanians.
"The governor once again wants to introduce vice taxes to cover his spending hikes. Yet again he is seeking to tax skill games and legalize recreational marijuana. Relying on vice taxes is not a reliable budgeting method and puts Pennsylvanians in jeopardy of addictive habits that could have far-reaching negative impacts on families.
"If the governor wants to truly grow the economy, we must do more to tap into the bountiful natural resources Pennsylvania is blessed with. We have a massive supply of energy under our feet that would make the Commonwealth the leading powerhouse in the energy sector. With increased energy production, we would see increased revenue that would bring true property tax relief to all Pennsylvanians, both seniors and young families.
"In the months ahead, my House Republican colleagues and I will work to deliver a responsible budget that protects taxpayers and prioritizes responsible growth for our Commonwealth."
Representative Tom Jones
98th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
[email protected]
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on February 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 20:38 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]