Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) has expressed concerns about Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.3 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, criticizing what she described as repeated reliance on “speculative revenue projections” and increased spending.
“It’s like the Groundhog Day movie, reliving the same thing over and over,” Bartolotta said. “This is now the governor’s fourth proposal in a row saying we’re going to fill all the holes in the budget with make-believe, speculative revenue projections – this is an insult to the hardworking people of the state. It is unrealistic.”
The governor’s plan calls for a $2.7 billion increase in spending—about 5.4% more than the current year—and would draw $4.6 billion from Pennsylvania’s Rainy Day Fund. Most of the growth comes from nearly $1.4 billion more for the Department of Human Services and over $900 million for education, while corrections costs would also rise by $140 million despite two prison closures.
Bartolotta stated her support for public education but called for accountability tied to student achievement and taxpayer responsibility. “I am a strong advocate for public education and supported historic investments in our schools. Going forward, additional funding should be tied to real improvements in student achievement and a responsibility to the taxpayers who fund our education system,” she said.
She acknowledged that funding was included for mental health and intellectual disabilities but criticized what she sees as neglect of caregivers for those with physical disabilities, especially those providing care at home.
“These caregivers help people get out of bed, get to work and live independently, yet they are consistently left out of the conversation. Supporting individuals with disabilities means supporting all disabilities, including the caregivers who make independent living possible,” Bartolotta said.
Bartolotta noted some positive aspects in the budget, such as increased support for services benefiting seniors and initiatives addressing childcare workforce shortages.
The proposal also allocates part of a multi-billion-dollar Public Transportation Trust Fund balance to major transit agencies—a move Senate Republicans had recommended during previous debates.
As an elected official representing District 46—which includes parts of Beaver County and all of Greene and Washington counties—Bartolotta maintains offices across several locations to assist constituents (official website). In addition to her legislative role (official website), she has authored or supported laws affecting first responders’ benefits, traffic safety penalties, and water resource protections (official website).
Contact: Brian Tirpak
