Rep. Tom Jones, who represents Lancaster and Lebanon counties, has voted against the latest Pennsylvania state budget, citing concerns over increased spending that exceeds the state’s revenues. In a statement following the vote, Jones said, “The budget voted on continues Pennsylvania’s spending problem and creates fiscal problems that will likely catch up to taxpayers in the form of tax hikes. Although I applaud House and Senate Republicans for the successful efforts to bring down spending compared to what Gov. Josh Shapiro wanted, the final spend number remains far too high.”
Jones highlighted that this year’s budget includes an increase of $2.5 billion over last year’s spending. He described this growth as unsustainable: “This rate of spending increase is not acceptable, nor is it sustainable. At some point in the not-too-distant future, residents will have to cover this out-of-control spending.”
He also noted a key aspect of the budget involving energy policy: “A highlight of this budget is that the General Assembly withdrew Pennsylvania from RGGI (Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative), a move that will improve energy production, attract more businesses to PA and help grow our economy.”
Despite supporting certain provisions within the budget, Jones ultimately opposed its passage due to overall expenditure levels. He stated, “In the end, however, this budget spends far too much, and I voted with my neighbors and future taxpayers in mind when I cast my vote against unchecked spending hikes.”
