State Representative Kathy L. Rapp of Warren, Crawford, and Forest counties criticized the recently passed General Appropriations bill for the 2025-26 fiscal year in Pennsylvania. Following the House’s approval of the budget, Rapp released a statement expressing her concerns about both the timing and content of the legislation.
“It is the General Assembly’s most fundamental obligation to pass a fiscally responsible budget plan by June 30. We failed the latter half of that obligation more than four months ago. Now, I can say we failed the former half, too.
“The budget deal that passed today accounts for more than $50 billion in spending for the current fiscal year. That’s nearly a 5% increase over last year’s spending, totaling more than $2.2 billion. The total spending wouldn’t be a problem if we had the money to pay for it, but that’s simply not the case.
“This plan robs the General Fund surplus to fill the gap in revenue. That’s not sustainable governing. Most of the money we’re allocating in this budget will be expected next year, but that money taken out from the General Fund surplus will not magically reappear. That means we would either need to make cuts or raise taxes moving forward.
“While I voted against the General Appropriations bill, I did support several major policy changes in the Fiscal Code, including a repeal of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and steps to ensure benefit integrity. I also supported the Human Services Code and the PACE/PACENET program to solidify critical services for seniors.“However, these sensible policy decisions don’t change the fact that the budget deal simply spends too much money. The people and businesses of Warren, Forest and Crawford counties are expected to operate with a balanced budget. Our Commonwealth should, too.”
Rapp noted she opposed what she views as excessive government spending but backed certain policy measures included within other legislative codes accompanying this year’s appropriations package.
