North Central PA Times

State Representative Robert Leadbetter, a Republican from Columbia, recently issued a statement expressing his concerns about Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed $48 billion spending plan for Pennsylvania. Leadbetter criticized the plan, stating that it advances an "extremist, left-wing agenda" that harms Pennsylvanians and results in increased taxes and fewer resources for rural communities.

Leadbetter specifically highlighted the lack of a viable means of funding the proposed budget items without burdening taxpayers. He expressed concern for hardworking families, seniors, and those on fixed incomes across the state, including in Columbia County. Leadbetter pointed out that the budget includes a $3.7 billion increase from the current year's budget and depletes state reserves by $3 billion, which were meant to be used as a tool to fight against tax increases, not justify new ones.

The state representative also criticized Governor Shapiro's advocacy for eliminating the constitutionally required two-thirds vote for funding non-preferred universities. Leadbetter and his colleagues have used this process to mandate transparency in university spending and implement a tuition freeze for in-state students. Leadbetter accused the governor of expanding taxpayer-funded constitutional violations by establishing departments and offices that encroach upon Second Amendment rights.

Leadbetter further criticized Governor Shapiro for neglecting rural communities and agriculture in his budget address. He pointed out that the governor failed to mention the more than 20% increase requested for his personal office and the over 22% increase in legal expenses incurred in covering up sexual assault cases faced by the Commonwealth last year. Leadbetter suggested that the governor's budget aligns Pennsylvania's policies more closely with those of New York or California, possibly due to significant campaign funding from these states.

In contrast to Governor Shapiro's neglect of Pennsylvanians, Leadbetter co-sponsored legislation to lower Pennsylvania's Personal Income Tax from 3.07% to 2.5%. However, it remains to be seen if the Democrat majority will bring the bill to the floor for a vote. Leadbetter reiterated his commitment to advocating for agriculture and small businesses, supporting law enforcement and the sanctity of life, defending Second Amendment rights, and standing up for seniors and hardworking families.

The governor's budget address marks the beginning of the annual state budget process. The House Appropriations Committee will hold hearings starting on February 20 to scrutinize the specifics of the governor's plan and the allocation of funds by state departments and agencies. The General Assembly and governor have until June 30 to finalize the budget.

With this statement, Representative Robert Leadbetter has made his concerns about Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed budget clear. He believes that the budget is aligned with an extremist, left-wing agenda that harms Pennsylvanians and burden taxpayers. Leadbetter is committed to advocating for the interests of his constituents and will continue to scrutinize the budget process to ensure transparency and accountability.