Southwest PA News

In response to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed fiscal year 2024-25 budget of over $48 billion, Representative Tim O'Neal of Washington expressed his concerns and criticisms. According to O'Neal, the budget presented by Governor Shapiro is lacking in details and would have detrimental financial consequences.

O'Neal described the budget as "a long list of wants and dreams, light on details and fiscally bankrupting." He further criticized the budget for resembling California politics and stated that it is not an appropriate approach for running the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. O'Neal highlighted a recent prediction by the Independent Fiscal Office, which estimated a $3 billion budget deficit in two years.

The representative emphasized that the focus should be on ensuring that there is enough funding to cover existing expenditures, rather than adding new programs. O'Neal drew a parallel between Pennsylvania families and state government, stating that responsible decision-making and prudent financial choices are necessary. He expressed concern that if the governor's ambitious plans were to be fully implemented, hardworking Pennsylvanians would have to bear the burden of higher taxes.

O'Neal underscored the impact of inflation on his constituents and stated his commitment to not placing a larger fiscal burden on them in order to fulfill the governor's political aspirations. He concluded by criticizing the governor for making empty promises to campaign consultants instead of presenting a legitimate proposal.

It should be noted that more information on Governor Shapiro's proposed budget can be found at pahousegop.com. Representative Tim O'Neal represents the 48th Legislative District in Washington County, which encompasses several townships and boroughs. For media inquiries, Tracy Polovick can be contacted at 717.260.6358 or tpolovick@pahousegop.com.

In summary, Representative Tim O'Neal expressed his concerns about Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget, stating that it lacks details and would result in tax increases. O'Neal emphasized the importance of responsible decision-making and prudent financial choices, as well as the need to prioritize existing expenditures over new programs. He criticized the governor for focusing on political aspirations rather than presenting a legitimate budget proposal.