State Senator Elder Vogel | Pennsylvania
State Senator Elder Vogel | Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Senator Elder Vogel, Jr. has expressed concern over Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed state budget for 2024-25. In a statement, Senator Vogel criticized the governor for his "blatant disregard toward Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars" and for failing to address how he plans to fund the proposed increases in spending.
"The governor has shown blatant disregard toward Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars as he bolstered his record-spending, $48.3 billion budget proposal – all while not sharing how he plans to pay for these increases and putting our commonwealth in a difficult position when approaching balancing future state budgets," said Senator Vogel.
Senator Vogel highlighted the financial hardships already faced by communities in Pennsylvania, including high costs and inflation. He argued that the governor's budget proposal would further burden Pennsylvanians and employers, potentially leading to program cuts and tax increases.
"With our communities already experiencing financial hardships due to high costs and inflation, what the governor is proposing would continue to burden Pennsylvanians and our employers with potential future program cuts and broad-based tax increases," Senator Vogel stated.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Vogel expressed his commitment to closely examining the governor's budget proposal. He pledged to work with his Senate colleagues to find efficient solutions that protect Pennsylvania jobs and empower Pennsylvania families, while also being mindful of how taxpayer money is spent.
"I remain committed to joining my Senate colleagues in examining the governor’s budget proposal more closely and help create more efficient solutions that would enable us to continue to protect Pennsylvania jobs and empower Pennsylvania families while being mindful of how we spend their hard-earned money," said Senator Vogel.
The Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to begin budget hearings on Tuesday, February 20. These hearings will include a session with the Independent Fiscal Office. The full Senate budget hearing schedule can be viewed on the official website.
Senator Vogel's concerns regarding Governor Shapiro's budget proposal reflect the ongoing debate and scrutiny surrounding the state's financial plans. As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the budget will ultimately shape up and what impact it will have on Pennsylvania's future.
Contact:
Abby Chiumento
Phone: 717-787-3076
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