HARRISBURG – Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Berks/Lehigh) today attended a joint session of the General Assembly to hear Gov. Tom Wolf outline his budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

He issued the following statement in response to the governor’s $43.7 billion spending plan:

“This is Gov. Wolf’s final budget proposal, and unfortunately he has presented us with another unsustainable spending plan. His proposal is similar to those of the past in that it increases state spending way beyond our means.

“The massive expansion of government and corresponding spending increase sets us up for deficits or tax increases in the future. It is simply the wrong approach. Instead, I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft a budget that invests in our priorities and also puts money into our reserve accounts.

“As we go through the budget process, I am confident we will succeed in developing a spending plan that protects taxpayers, helps create jobs, and strengthens educational opportunities. We will also make sure we are making much-needed investments in our infrastructure, and adding money to our reserve funds so that we are prepared for future downturns in the economy.”

Mackenzie noted that the governor’s address is just the beginning of the annual budget process. The House Appropriations Committee will conduct a series of hearings starting Tuesday, Feb. 15, to examine the details of the governor’s plan and how state departments and agencies are spending their funding. A schedule of the hearings and more information on the 2022-23 budget is available at www.pahousegop.com.

Information provided to TVL by:
Andy Briggs
Representative Ryan Mackenzie
134th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
http://www.repmackenzie.com/

 

---