Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.47 billion state budget proposal outlined Tuesday before a joint session of the General Assembly:

“To say I find the governor’s proposed spending amount alarming would be an understatement. If enacted, this plan would fully deplete the state’s surplus funds and would again dip into the Rainy Day Fund, as well as require revenue from new taxes on things like marijuana and skill games. The governor again wants to spend more than we bring in. It is simply not sustainable.

“There is a better way forward. First and foremost, we need to focus on funding the core functions of government. That would include investments in things like education, rural health care, and public safety and emergency services. We should not be growing the size and cost of government when our families and businesses are struggling to balance their own budgets.

“That said, there’s no question costs are on the rise. Rather than further burdening our taxpayers to meet those rising costs, we must be focused on growing our economy, and growing our energy industry would be a great place to start. While Pennsylvania is already an energy powerhouse, we have the potential to be so much more if we can get government out of the way.

“Ultimately, this is just the start of the state budget process, and we will assess the details of the governor’s plan in the weeks ahead. As is always the case, I will again advocate for a budget that addresses the needs of our rural communities and respects the taxpayers who foot the bill.”

Over the next few weeks, Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate will conduct a series of hearings with state agencies to dig into the details of his plan. Members will use that information to craft a final spending plan. A final budget is due by June 30.