The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a $53.3 billion budget proposal, advancing a plan that immediately drew skepticism from Republicans in the Pennsylvania State Senate, who warned the measure requires significant changes before any final agreement.
The 2026-2027 spending plan, a $2.7 billion increase from last year and the largest in state history, passed the Democratic-controlled House by a 107-94 vote, with support from three Republicans.
While it marks a formal step in the annual process, lawmakers and observers acknowledge it is likely just an opening proposal in what could again be prolonged negotiations.
PA Senate Republican leaders, including PA Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), PA Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41), and PA Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Scott Martin (R-13), issued a joint statement yesterday emphasizing their concerns.
“We continue to have profound concerns about the level of spending in the budget proposed by Gov. Shapiro and passed by the House,” the Republican leaders said. “Moving a budget plan forward is an important step in the process, but much work remains to reach a final agreement which respects taxpayers both now and in the future.
“We will continue to fight for a more fiscally responsible spending plan that better positions our commonwealth to grow and prosper, without placing unreasonable financial burdens on Pennsylvania families and taxpayers,” added the lawmakers.
According to State House Democrats, the proposal reflects priorities from Gov. Josh Shapiro and their party’s members, who moved quickly to frame its passage as progress.
Shortly after the vote, Shapiro said in a social media post: “The ball is now in the State Senate’s court. It’s time to get to work to deliver for Pennsylvanians.”
PA House Majority Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris (D-186) described the vote as a key milestone.
“Today’s passage of the proposed state budget is an important step in moving the General Appropriations bill process forward and keeping us on track to deliver an on-time budget for the people of Pennsylvania,” Harris said Tuesday. “This bill passed the House with bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to moving this budget forward and getting a budget done on time.”
Harris also defended the plan’s priorities, stating it continues investments in public education, support for law enforcement, and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy, while returning money to working families and not raising taxes.
“Our focus remains clear: getting a responsible, balanced budget done on time that makes Pennsylvania more affordable and continues to deliver on our commitments to communities across the commonwealth,” he said.
However, State House Republicans echoed Senate concerns, particularly over spending levels and the use of state reserves.
PA State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa (R-51), who voted against House Bill 2400, noted that the proposal relies too heavily on one-time funds.
“The Rainy Day Fund was created for emergencies, not for politicians who simply want to spend more than taxpayers can afford,” Grimm Krupa said. “This plan spends money Pennsylvania doesn’t have and puts us on a path toward draining the savings meant to protect taxpayers.”
She added that the proposal comes at a time when households are already under financial strain.
“Gas is up. Groceries are up. Health care costs are rising. Electric bills, water bills, sewage bills, and trash bills continue to climb,” said Grimm Krupa. “Pennsylvania families are tightening their belts, but Harrisburg refuses to do the same.”
Grimm Krupa also called for a greater focus on government efficiency, pointing out that every dollar the government wastes is a dollar taken from a hard-working Pennsylvania family. “The people of Pennsylvania work too hard for their money to watch Harrisburg spend it this recklessly,” she said.
Under state law, lawmakers must pass a budget by June 30. Last year’s negotiations extended more than 130 days past the deadline, with a final agreement reached only after the November election.
With the House plan now formally in place, Republican leaders in the PA Senate have signaled they intend to significantly reshape the proposal before any final budget is approved.