Where Is Gov. Shapiro’s Leadership on the State Budget?

Originally published by RealClearPennsylvania.

Gov. Josh Shapiro once said, “Leaders have a responsibility to speak truth.” Yet, truth be told, the governor’s lack of leadership on this year’s state budget is concerning.

It all began with his budget address in February. Shapiro’s 2025–26 budget proposal was an unrealistic, irresponsible nonstarter. His $51.5 billion budget proposal—about 8 percent higher than this fiscal year—is chock full of excessive government spending, including hundreds of millions in handouts to government unions and other special interests. Pennsylvanians work hard to live within their means, and their government should do the same. They deserve a governor who prioritizes their needs over special interests.

His proposed budget didn’t add up—literally. Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office reported that Shapiro’s revenue estimates exaggerated the amount of tax dollars gained from the governor’s plans to tax expanded gambling and legalized cannabis—both of which the Pennsylvania General Assembly has not passed. As a result, this proposed budget would exacerbate the Commonwealth’s structural deficit, with a $4.9 billion revenue shortfall, which the good people of Pennsylvania will pay for through massive statewide tax hikes.

Read more at RealClearPennsylvania.