Rep. Chad Reichard, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, said on April 15 that the recent vote on a proposed Pennsylvania state budget did not reflect the realities faced by residents.
Reichard said it is important to approach budgeting with caution and responsibility because decisions made now will affect future generations. He criticized House Democrats for moving forward quickly with a spending plan he described as nearly identical to Governor Josh Shapiro’s $53.26 billion proposal, stating that it is unlikely to become law.
“What we saw in taking up a vote on a budget was pure pageantry not set in the realities Pennsylvanians face. House Democrats again rushed through a budget, essentially a copy/paste from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion spending plan, that has no chance of becoming law,” Reichard said.
He also addressed concerns about government efficiency but warned against prioritizing speed over sound decision-making when managing state finances. “While I appreciate the need to improve government efficiency, we must not mistake quick action for the right action, especially when it comes to road mapping Pennsylvania’s finances. The decisions we make this year will have lasting impacts on all future generations. We must get it right,” he said.
Reichard emphasized his commitment to representing his constituents’ interests regarding fiscal responsibility and avoiding unnecessary use of reserve funds: “My constituents sent me to Harrisburg to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. I do not believe increasing spending to the point that necessitates dipping into the Rainy Day Fund is warranted or appropriate.”
He concluded by expressing his readiness for further debate: “We must find a better way forward… I look forward to having the tough discussions in the coming weeks as we work toward a budget that respects the hardworking taxpayers.”
