Opportunities Exist to Improve Educational System, but Governor’s Overall Budget Spend Number is Simply Too High, Topper Says

February 6, 2024

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s spending proposal:

“At face value, the governor’s proposal spends well beyond the state’s means. He is seeking to increase spending by $3.7 billion to $48.34 billion and that is simply unsustainable moving forward. The programs the governor wants to create will not be retired when economic conditions worsen and at that point, they will lead to a massive tax increase.





“While there is much in the proposal that I found problematic, I was encouraged to hear the governor embrace a model similar to my House Bill 1574 to create performance-based funding incentives for institutes of higher education. This method of funding will use metrics to ensure these institutions are providing a true value for our students and families while improving the accountability over how these tax dollars are spent.

“I was also cautiously optimistic when the governor called on the House and Senate to create a school funding model that not only included recommendations of the Basic Education Funding Commission, but also an endorsement of a school scholarship plan, similar to the Lifeline Scholarships that were proposed in last year’s budget. As I have said, all students, especially those in schools that are in crisis, need a path to a brighter future. I look forward to working with my colleagues to tackle the difficult issues and have the tough, but necessary conversations about transforming our educational system in Pennsylvania.”

 

Representative Jesse Topper
78th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Greg Gross
717.260.6374
ggross@pahousegop.com
RepTopper.com / Facebook.com/RepTopper