KAIL: The Death of a Budget Negotiation
In government, as in life, a person who cannot keep their word is a person not worth trusting.
During his campaign, Gov. Josh Shapiro promised the people of Pennsylvania many things – that he was an independent Democrat, not beholden to special interests; that he supported school choice for our students; and that his energy policy must protect jobs and lower consumer prices.
Six months into his administration, Gov. Shapiro has deceived the people of Pennsylvania – when it all unfolded during the negotiation process of the $45.55 billion budget.
Bottom line: The current budget impasse solely lies at Gov. Shapiro’s feet. All the while, he’s trying to deflect from his broken promises and poor governing by blaming Republicans.
Gov. Shapiro voiced his serious concerns regarding the energy tax known as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) over 458 days ago and pledged, “Energy policy for me must pass the test of protecting jobs, lowering consumer prices and addressing climate change.”
Over a year later, Gov. Shapiro refuses to remove Pennsylvania from this massive $663 million energy tax, which he could have done on day one of his administration. This unconscionable tax will kill Pennsylvania jobs and quadruple electricity rates on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet.
Gov. Shapiro offered hope to the children of Pennsylvania who have been trapped in failing schools when he advocated for school choice on national news and declared that “every child of God” deserves a “quality education.”
Senate Republicans and Gov. Shapiro struck a budget deal which included funding for a lifeline to students trapped in the worst performing school districts through the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship program.
Days later, Gov. Shapiro announced he would veto the PASS program, an initiative he campaigned for, breaking his promise and abandoning Pennsylvania’s children at the behest of special interest groups and radical Democrats.
It’s easy to state a conviction when it goes unopposed – but Gov. Shapiro has proven that at the first hint of a challenge, he will abandon his convictions and break his promises. Without conviction or guiding principles, the governor cannot be negotiated with in good faith.
So, where does it leave Pennsylvania when you have a governor who you cannot trust? It leaves Pennsylvania with missed opportunities and lost jobs, it leaves families with exorbitant taxes and crushing bills, and it leaves children in failing schools and without hope for a better future.
It is imperative we disrupt the status quo by fighting against a corrupt agenda and provide hope to the people of this great Commonwealth.
Republicans are more than ready to get a commonsense budget through the finish line. Are Gov. Shapiro and House Democrats?
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