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

“I am immediately concerned by how much the governor is proposing to spend, and how it would impact taxpayers now and in the future. Even if the governor says his plan won’t require a tax increase now, if we have to use budgetary reserves to balance his plan, the tax hikes won’t be far off.

“Just as individuals, families and business owners do when they look at their budgets, we must identify what constitutes a ‘want’ and what constitutes a ‘need,’ and then we have to prioritize based on what you, the taxpayers, can afford.

“Investing in the core functions of government is always a priority, and that includes education, health care and public safety. The governor has laid out some ideas that are worthy of discussion, and we will do that over the next several months. Ultimately, I will again advocate for a budget that addresses the needs of our rural communities and respects the taxpayers who foot the bill.”

The governor’s budget address launches the annual state budget process. Beginning the week of Feb. 19, the House Appropriations Committee 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.

View Causer’s comments regarding the governor’s budget proposal