Rep. Clint Owlett of Pennsylvania has voiced his opposition to a $50.6 billion state budget proposal for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The House passed the budget, but Owlett voted against it, citing concerns about its financial feasibility.
“With a steep price tag and many more questions than answers about how they would pay for it, I simply could not support the budget proposal put forth by House Democrats today,” Owlett stated. He emphasized the need to meet deadlines responsibly: “We are two weeks past the June 30 deadline, and we absolutely owe it to the people of Pennsylvania to get this job done…but we have to do it RIGHT and this budget simply isn’t it.”
Owlett pointed out that even members of the Democratic Party seem concerned about spending levels proposed by their governor. “It’s interesting to note that, apparently, even House Democrats think their governor wants to spend too much,” he remarked. The current plan is approximately $1 billion less than what was suggested by the governor in February but still exceeds expected revenue.
“We simply can’t spend what we don’t have,” Owlett warned, adding that overspending could lead to unaffordable tax increases for Pennsylvanians.
He called for collaboration on a budget plan that supports economic growth and education tailored to individual needs: “We need to come together and create a plan that will set Pennsylvania up for success, a plan that will grow our economy, boost the energy industry, and empower families and students to pursue the type of education that best meets their needs.”
Representative Clint Owlett
68th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
