$50.6B Budget Proposal Clears PA House Amid Republican Objections

State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-Fayette) voted against House Bill 1330 on Tuesday, voicing strong opposition to both the substance and the process behind Pennsylvania’s proposed $50.6 billion budget. The bill, advanced by the House’s Democratic majority, has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans for what they describe as rushed procedures and unsustainable spending.

Grimm Krupa pointed to the release of a 118-page amendment just three hours before the vote as a central issue, arguing that lawmakers were not given adequate time to review the plan or solicit public feedback. “We’re being asked to greenlight over $50 billion in spending based on a document we haven’t even had time to read,” she said. “That’s offensive, and I won’t do it.”

She also raised concerns about the fiscal impact of the budget, warning that the plan spends at least $5.3 billion more than projected revenues, potentially exacerbating the state’s structural deficit. Grimm Krupa said such a gap could result in tax increases or the depletion of the state’s Rainy Day Fund by 2026.

“This plan could require a tax hike of over $2,000 per Pennsylvania family or drain our reserves when we need them most,” she said.

House Democrats, who hold the majority in the chamber, have emphasized their goal of advancing a budget that invests in education, workforce development, and public services. While they have not responded directly to Grimm Krupa’s remarks, Democratic leadership has broadly characterized the proposal as a responsible step toward meeting the needs of Pennsylvania families and communities.

Grimm Krupa, however, criticized the budget for failing to address key Republican priorities, such as boosting energy development, reforming state systems, and directing more resources to students. She also objected to moving forward on the budget before finalizing a fiscal code bill, which dictates how appropriated funds are to be spent.

“That’s like signing a blank check and mailing it to chaos,” she said.

As budget negotiations continue past the start of the new fiscal year, partisan divisions remain evident. Republicans are calling for more transparency and structural reforms, while Democrats maintain that their plan reflects the policy direction voters supported in the last election.

Grimm Krupa concluded her remarks by invoking a broader concern about the legislative process.

“When laws are made in haste and in secret, liberty dies in plain sight. And today, we are watching it happen,” she said.

House Bill 1330 now moves forward as budget discussions continue in the state Capitol.