HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) voted “no” on the state budget for fiscal year 2024-25, citing excessive government spending.
“As Pennsylvania families struggle with record inflation and rising prices of gas, groceries, and utilities, I will not support a state budget that increases spending by 6%. This budget demonstrates a clear lack of fiscal responsibility. My constituents deserve better. This budget is unaffordable,” Brown stated.
“The total spending figure is just under $47.6 billion, which is too expensive. With spending increasing at this rate, Pennsylvania’s budget surplus could be eliminated in two years. Should we experience any economic emergencies, we will not have the money available to combat the problems,” she added.
Brown expressed frustration over the legislative process: “I am very frustrated and disappointed. Democrats hold a one-seat majority in the House of Representatives, which means they control the calendar. They did not call up a budget bill until the final days of June. That means there was very little time to negotiate a fair and fiscally responsible budget. That is democracy at its worst. We should not be running our state in this manner.”
However, Brown acknowledged some positive aspects of the budget: “I am pleased to see the budget includes more than $1 billion in new education spending split among multiple budget lines. Much of that new spending would flow to Pennsylvania’s poorest school districts. In addition, Pennsylvania’s state-funded institutions of higher education will now operate under performance-based budgeting. This mandates more transparency and accountability from these institutions to ensure we are providing the best educational value for our students.”
Brown emphasized her commitment to bipartisan cooperation: “It is imperative we prioritize the needs of our constituents over partisan politics and work together to ensure timely and effective governance. Moving forward, I am committed to finding solutions and fostering collaboration to serve the best interests of all Pennsylvanians.”
For more information on the 2024-25 budget, visit PAHouseGOP.com/budget2024.
Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717-260-6437 (office), 77-497-8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepMarlaBrown.com / Facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown
