Bernstine, Brown Vote Against General Appropriations Bill

Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) and Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) each voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

Bernstine: Budget Relies on Accounting Tricks Instead of Fiscal Responsibility

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The measure passed the House and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Bernstine issued the following statement:

“This budget relies on the same type of accounting tricks Bernie Madoff used to make the numbers look better than reality. Delaying payments and shifting costs into the future does not reduce spending; it simply hides the true cost from taxpayers.

“Nearly $3 billion in delayed payments are being used to make this budget appear smaller and more balanced while hiding the true cost of government spending. Those bills do not disappear. They will still have to be paid by future taxpayers, and Pennsylvanians deserve honesty and transparency when it comes to how their money is being spent.

“This budget also includes more than a half billion dollars for government-run city schools while too many students are still struggling to read and write at grade level. We should be focused on accountability and ensuring every education dollar is producing results for Pennsylvania students.

“We cannot continue relying on budget gimmicks, one-time fixes and accounting maneuvers to cover the growing cost of government. Families across Pennsylvania must balance their budgets and make tough decisions – state government should be held to that same standard.

“My constituents expect responsible decisions with their tax dollars. This budget does not meet that standard.”

Brown: Budget Misses the Mark on Fiscal Responsibility

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, voted against the General Appropriations bill for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The measure passed the House and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his signature. Brown issued the following statement:

“Voting on the state budget is one of the General Assembly’s most important responsibilities. At a time when families across Lawrence County are struggling with the rising cost of living, we should be focused on controlling government spending and protecting taxpayers. While this budget includes several worthwhile investments, I could not support the final package because it relies on unsustainable spending practices and accounting maneuvers that fail to provide taxpayers with a clear picture of the Commonwealth’s financial future.

“One of my biggest concerns is Medicaid payment cycle shifts make it more difficult for taxpayers to see the true cost of government spending. While this budget is being presented as a $50.8 billion spending plan, those shifts bring the total spending closer to $52 billion. That is not the level of transparency Pennsylvanians deserve. I am also concerned this budget nearly exhausts the state’s available reserve funds while failing to address the Commonwealth’s growing structural imbalance. We cannot continue relying on short-term solutions and expect future taxpayers to absorb the cost.

“We also need to prioritize policies that generate sustainable, long-term revenue growth. That includes meaningful permit reform to reduce unnecessary delays and make it easier for businesses to invest and create jobs. Instead of relying on accounting maneuvers and one-time budget fixes, we should be growing our economy by attracting new employers and expanding our tax base.

“However, I was pleased to see several priorities included in the budget. The $10 million investment in career and technical education will help prepare students for rewarding careers in high-demand fields, and funding for the Rapid Bridge and Road Deployment Program will help improve critical infrastructure across the Commonwealth. I am pleased this budget does not include combined reporting or the legalization of recreational marijuana.

“My constituents expect us to make responsible decisions with their tax dollars. We can invest in priorities such as education, infrastructure and workforce development while also controlling spending and protecting taxpayers. Unfortunately, this budget does not strike that balance, which is why I voted no.”