Grimm Krupa Voices Frustration with Fiscally Irresponsible, Late Budget Bill
HARRISBURG – Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette) issued this statement following House passage of a General Appropriations bill for the 2024-25 fiscal year:
“In each of my first two years in office, failed leadership has led to a budget impasse. While I’m glad our chamber has finally passed something, there’s no excuse for not getting a deal done on time.
“Just like last year, the budget process didn’t begin in earnest until June, giving us just one month until the deadline. The Speaker of the House has the sole power to set the House calendar. Her failure to appropriately schedule the session days necessary to facilitate the thoughtful conversations and negotiations required to pass a fiscally responsible, timely budget is just one example of the gross incompetence you see in Harrisburg.
“On top of the timing, this budget is far too expensive. The total spending figure is just under $47.6 billion, nearly 6% more than last year’s budget. With spending increasing at this rate, Pennsylvania’s budget surplus could be eliminated within two fiscal years, eliminating any buffer the Commonwealth will desperately need should we face economic emergencies.
“Even the way we voted on this budget is flawed. The House did not pass all the various code bills that make up our state budget before passing the General Appropriations bill. Essentially, we agreed on how big the pie is with little to no consideration of the amount of ingredients available. Why would we pick the total spending figure first, rather than letting that number become the sum of the various parts of our budget?
“It goes without saying that Republicans and Democrats have different priorities, and that’s especially true when it comes to the state budget. But I think we can all agree Pennsylvania taxpayers deserve a budget that is on time and makes sure every penny is being spent effectively. We must do better.”
Representative Charity Grimm Krupa
51st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Contact: 724-438-6100
RepGrimmKrupa.com / Facebook.com/RepGrimmKrupa