Rep. Jason Ortitay (R-Washington/Allegheny) has issued a statement in response to Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal, which was presented before a joint session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Ortitay criticized the proposed increase in state spending and the use of reserve funds, stating: “I don’t think most Pennsylvanians want a bigger budget. I think they want fewer problems.”
He expressed concern that the new budget would spend billions more than last year and draw down nearly 60% of the state’s savings account without addressing key issues such as high property taxes, rising costs, and underperforming schools. “If this were a household budget, someone would stop the conversation and ask a fair question: Why are we touching the savings?” Ortitay said.
Ortitay argued that the Rainy Day Fund should be reserved for emergencies like recessions or disasters, rather than being used because spending outpaces revenue. He stated: “The Rainy Day Fund is supposed to be there for a real emergency like a recession, disaster or something nobody saw coming. This budget uses it because spending grew faster than revenue. That’s not an emergency. That’s a choice.”
He also pointed out that increased spending does not necessarily resolve underlying problems. “Here’s another honest part people don’t like to say out loud: Spending more money isn’t the same thing as solving a problem,” he said.
According to Ortitay, legislation passed last year aimed at improving literacy for children is not funded in this budget proposal. “We passed a law last year to help kids learn to read. This budget doesn’t fund it – not a dollar to implement it,” he stated.
Addressing whether the proposed budget would lower taxes or improve government efficiency, Ortitay remarked: “And if you’re wondering whether this budget makes life easier for you, whether it lowers your taxes, reduces your bills or makes government work better, the answer is no.”
He concluded his remarks by emphasizing transparency: “I’m not interested in shouting about Gov. Shapiro’s latest budget proposal. I’m interested in telling the truth about it. Pennsylvanians are smart enough to decide for themselves.
“They just deserve an honest explanation.”
Further information on Governor Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget proposal can be found at pabudget.com.
The 46th Legislative District includes parts of Allegheny County such as South Fayette Township and McDonald and Oakdale boroughs; and areas of Washington County including Cecil, Chartiers, Mt. Pleasant and North Strabane townships (Districts 6–9), along with Canonsburg, Houston and McDonald boroughs.
