Legislature response to Shapiro budget address mixed, spirited

(The Center Square) – Democrats and Republican legislators had a predictably mixed response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal, setting the stage for a spirited debate in the coming months of negotiation.

House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, called Shapiro’s address “a bold plan from a visionary who wants to continue to push Pennsylvanians forward” and called upon fellow members not to allow “any disinvestment from our communities.”

McClinton highlighted investments in housing, public safety, education and transit made in the past two years and said the party was excited to build on that momentum, regardless of the “same old same old” objections across the aisle.

Those objections came quickly with Republicans demanding to know how the governor planned to pay for the $3.6 billion estimated spending increase outlined in Shapiro’s address. House Minority Whip Rep. Tim O’Neal, R-Washington, echoed McClinton’s complaint about the “same old” coming from the Democratic side.

“Where is that money coming from?” asked Appropriations Chair Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana, who predicted a deficit in two years.

House Majority Leader Matt Bradford, D-Norristown, acknowledged the obstacles his party faces both within the legislature and on the national stage.

“We are clear-eyed about the challenges in front of us,” he said. “This is the time for governing and serious people.”

Bradford emphasized the need to lean in on economic issues and improve the climate for businesses within the state. He said he was willing to “take a page from Republican orthodoxy” when it comes to supporting industry by cutting corporate taxes.

Democrats also point toward skills games and adult-use marijuana for potential new streams of income, both moves which Republicans in the legislature have resisted in the past. Though Republican leadership has not ruled them out in this legislative session, they say it’s poor governance to count on revenue before it’s come in.

Instead, House Minority Leader Jesse Topper, R-Bedford, and his colleagues focused on the state’s energy landscape with priority number one being limiting regulations around fossil fuel including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

“We have to get what we have out of the ground and use that here in Pennsylvania. Anything that stands as an impediment to that needs to go away,” said Topper.

O’Neal called for a “bold, balanced energy plan that prioritizes affordability, reliability, and economic growth for all Pennsylvanians,” leaving out sustainability, a key focus of Shapiro’s plan.

The leader said his caucus was willing to work with the governor and Democrats on issues on which they agreed, but he emphasized that Shapiro has the power to bring the groups together.

Areas of agreement remain elusive. Many issues “on the table” are ones Republicans are already signaling opposition to, like raising the minimum wage. Ultimately, Topper said that determining if something is fiscally sustainable comes before any real discussion of individual issues.

Leaders acknowledged that the governor’s address is just a starting point from which they’ll work toward a budget in the coming months.

“But as it stands right now, I think every taxpayer in Pennsylvania should be very concerned about this spending proposal,” Struzzi said.

Democratic House Appropriations Chair Jordan Harris of Philadelphia left his Republican colleagues with a challenge. “If we can’t afford that, then what is it you’re willing to cut?” he asked. “Which of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians don’t deserve this investment?”