Butler County News

In response to Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed $48.34 billion budget for the 2023-24 fiscal year, Representative Marci Mustello (R-Butler) expressed her concerns about the level of spending and the potential impact on taxpayers. She stated, "The level of new and excess spending in the governor's budget is staggering. Not only would this proposal exceed current state revenues and drain Pennsylvania's emergency reserves, but it would most certainly result in the need for tax increases, which I believe is not good for our businesses and not fair to Pennsylvania's working families."

Mustello also criticized the timing of the governor's proposal to legalize marijuana, saying, "I think it makes sense that the governor is proposing the legalization of marijuana at the same time he shares his proposed budget because someone would need to be 'high' to support so much new spending."

She emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the budget and collaboration with her colleagues on the House Appropriations Committee to make fiscally responsible changes. Mustello stated, "On the surface, this proposal is simply not sustainable. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I look forward to taking a deeper dive into the numbers during the coming weeks of budget hearings and working with my colleagues to make changes that are fiscally responsible."

The budget hearings are set to begin on Tuesday, February 20th. Mustello's comments following Governor Shapiro's budget address can be found [here](link).

It is clear that Mustello has concerns about the proposed budget and its potential impact on Pennsylvania's finances. She recognizes the need for careful examination and collaboration to ensure that any changes made are fiscally responsible. With the budget hearings approaching, we can expect further discussions and debates on the state's financial future.