State Rep. Robert Leadbeter | Pennsylvania 109th Legislative District
State Rep. Robert Leadbeter | Pennsylvania 109th Legislative District
State Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) has expressed strong opposition to the $47.6 billion state budget for fiscal year 2024-25, issuing a statement criticizing its provisions and anticipated impacts.
“Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget inherently hurts Pennsylvanians once again by spending more than what comes into the Commonwealth. I am extremely against this budget and voted ‘no.’ This budget spends $3.3 billion more than anticipated revenues for the fiscal year, further exacerbating the structural deficit the Commonwealth already faces, selling out future generations,” said Leadbeter.
Leadbeter also criticized what he described as an agenda driven by "the governor and progressive Biden House Democrats," which he claims prioritizes political interests over taxpayer needs. “The governor and progressive Biden House Democrats have an agenda that only suits their wants, not the needs of taxpayers across Pennsylvania, who elected us to ensure fiscal responsibility; fight back against Biden’s open border policy; create economic growth; oppose tax increases and wasteful spending; promote parental rights; and help our seniors, veterans, and families who call this Commonwealth home,” he stated.
He further argued that the proposed budget represents fiscal mismanagement that could jeopardize Pennsylvania's financial stability. “The budget will create an unsustainable path that jeopardizes the financial stability of our Commonwealth. During times of record inflation and soaring prices on everyday items, our responsibility is to ensure every dollar is spent wisely and that we do not leave future generations with a mountain of debt.”
Highlighting his concerns about responsible budgeting, Leadbeter added: “Hard-working Pennsylvanians, like the hard-working folks in Columbia County, deserve a budget that is responsible and reflective of their needs, not one that caters to the whims of a few. We must prioritize sustainable spending and long-term financial health over short-term political gains.”
Despite acknowledging differing priorities between Republicans and Democrats regarding taxpayer financial health, Leadbeter emphasized common ground on effective government spending. “We are aware Republicans and Democrats have different priorities, especially regarding the financial health of our taxpayers. However, we can all agree that Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve a budget that ensures the government is spending taxpayer money effectively. In the present, we must focus on the future.”
Representative Robert Leadbeter
109th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717-772-9837
hkeip@pahousegop.com
repleadbeter.com
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