Shapiro Fails to Deliver on Campaign Promises Yet Again, Instead Delivers Massively Flawed Budget

Harrisburg, Pa., July 11, 2024 — Today, the Pennsylvania legislature passed a seriously flawed 2024–25 state budget deal. The deal fails to address the educational needs of students trapped in failing schools, doesn’t control spending to avoid tax hikes, and misses opportunities to improve the economy through meaningful tax and regulatory reform.

The budget includes a spending increase of 4.9 percent, which would drain state reserves and position families for tax hikes in 2026. This deal creates a structural deficit of more than $3.6 billion, leaving Pennsylvania families and businesses bracing for the impact.

Commonwealth Foundation Senior Vice President Nathan Benefield issued the following statement in response:

“For families and businesses, there’s not much to be happy about in this state budget. Once again, Governor Shapiro failed to deliver on campaign promises. He reneged on his promise to enact Lifeline Scholarships for low-income kids trapped in the worst-performing schools for the second year in a row, he failed to provide significant tax relief, and he abandoned his commitment to meaningful regulatory reform.

“Instead of making Pennsylvania ‘open for business,’ Shapiro has provided more of the status quo—more politics as usual.

“While the state Senate passed meaningful legislation for families and businesses—including Lifeline Scholarships, codified as the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program, that would provide $10,000 to families to attend the school of their choice; tax cuts of nearly $900 per family; and a slew of bills to reduce regulatory red tape—Pennsylvania House Democrats blocked these policies, and Governor Shapiro abdicated his duty to lead.

“As a result, thousands of children will spend another year trapped in underperforming, unsafe schools, taxpayers will face tax hikes in 2026, and businesses will continue to face substantial regulatory hurdles trying to set up shop in Pennsylvania and create jobs.

“This budget is a slap in the face to the voters of Pennsylvania who trusted Governor Shapiro. Commonwealth Foundation’s latest polling has three-in-four Pennsylvanians—an overwhelming majority—supporting Lifeline Scholarships. Another 78 percent hoped to see this year’s budget cut taxes. But this state budget fails on both accounts; it raises taxes and leaves kids behind. The people of Pennsylvania deserve better.”

View the full results from the Commonwealth Foundation’s latest Common Ground in the Commonwealth poll here.

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The Commonwealth Foundation turns free-market ideas into public policies, fostering prosperity for all Pennsylvanians.