Lawrence Times

HARRISBURG – Rep. Aaron Bernstine (R-Butler/Lawrence) issued a statement today regarding his negative vote on the fiscal year 2024-25 state budget.

“This is the worst budget I’ve seen since I came to Harrisburg, and it was once again easy to vote HECK NO. Any politician who voted for this budget should be absolutely ashamed of themselves because they did so knowing full well it will require tax hikes by next year," Bernstine stated.

“It’s a budget that puts politicians first and Pennsylvanians last. It spends nearly $50 billion in taxpayer money, which is a 5.9% increase over last year’s budget, while Pennsylvania taxpayers are struggling to pay for their gas, utility bills and groceries. I would guarantee most Pennsylvania taxpayers didn’t get a 5.9% raise this year; why should Harrisburg?" he continued.

“Parents know what is best for their children. Sadly, House Democrats and Gov. Josh Shapiro believe they know what is best for your children, so they blocked all meaningful school choice expansion in this budget while at the same time sending $1.3 billion more to public schools, which already spend $22,000 per student annually," Bernstine added. "The system is broken when students at 30 schools do not have a single student testing proficient in mathematics. Parents want options for their children, especially those trapped in failing public schools.”

Representative Aaron Bernstine

8th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives