Pennsylvania House Republican Leader Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said Sunday that the Fiscal Year 2026-27 state budget and related legislation passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro for his expected signature.
“The budget passed by the General Assembly today continues our recent history of scouring every corner of state government for existing taxpayer dollars to avoid tax increases, cuts to government services or tapping into the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day fund,” Topper said.
“I am also glad to see important investments in education where we are combatting the ongoing issue of growing waitlists at career and technical centers, expanding the successful GROW PA program to ensure Pennsylvania’s graduates have incentive to stay here, and ensuring our largest state-related universities receive funding based upon meeting new performance metrics and accountability provisions.”
Topper also noted that the budget prioritizes improvements in rural Pennsylvania.
“The state budget we just passed makes critical investments in our transportation infrastructure so we can move ahead shovel-ready road and bridge projects in areas across Pennsylvania,” Topper added.
Despite the budget’s passage, Topper warned that work remains on reversing troubling fiscal trends in Pennsylvania to avoid tough budgetary decisions in the future.
“While revenues higher than budget estimates have shown some of the Republican-led policy wins in prior budgets are starting to have an impact, we must continue the work of providing pathways for significant economic growth and development in Pennsylvania if we stand any chance at reversing the challenging demographics of our ever-shrinking population,” Topper explained.
“Pennsylvania must use the tools at our disposal to create an environment welcoming to investment while getting government out of the way of job creators so we can continue righting the ship of economic growth and development in Pennsylvania.”
Rep. Joe Hogan (R-Bucks) Statement
Hogan released the following statement after voting in favor of the state’s 2026-27 fiscal year budget, which will spend a total of $50.8 billion.
“Today’s bipartisan budget agreement represents, yet again, historic funding for our schools in Pennsylvania. Additionally, this budget provides major wins for Pennsylvanians of all ages while not taking a single dollar out of our Rainy Day Fund, ensuring the Commonwealth’s fiscal stability remains strong.
“Since I first took office, we have increased funding for career and technical education by 60% and made significant investments in recruiting and retaining childcare staff. The state is training more state troopers than ever before, increasing funding for hazardous sites cleanup, and more.
“I’m proud to see yet again that both Neshaminy and Council Rock school districts are receiving a larger share of state tax dollars, ensuring our schools can better support their students and teachers while helping alleviate the local property tax burden.
“Finally, using gaming tax dollars, our retired first responders, teachers and other public servants are receiving a cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) for the first time in nearly 25 years.
“This budget is a win for Pennsylvania, and I believe it positions our Commonwealth for future success.”
Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) Statement
Marcell, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement after the House approved the 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget:
“This bipartisan budget reflects responsible governing by making strategic investments in Pennsylvania’s future without raising broad-based taxes or tapping into the Rainy Day Fund.
“As Pennsylvania’s workforce and demographics continue to change, we must make smart investments that prepare people for good-paying careers and help employers fill critical jobs.
This budget expands the successful GROW PA program, invests $10 million to reduce waitlists at career and technical education centers and preserves tax policies that support job creators and economic growth.
“We also continue investing in school facilities, transportation infrastructure and other priorities that strengthen our communities while protecting taxpayers. These are practical solutions that help move Pennsylvania forward and position our Commonwealth for long-term success.
“I appreciate the bipartisan work that made this agreement possible. By focusing on responsible spending and policies that address the challenges ahead, we are making meaningful investments that benefit Pennsylvania families today and for years to come.”
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