York County News

Senator Mike Regan expressed concerns about the financial implications of Governor Josh Shapiro's budget proposal presented during a joint session of the Pennsylvania state Senate and House in Harrisburg. Regan, representing Pennsylvania's 31st District, emphasized that the proposed budget might reverse recent efforts to stabilize the state's finances.

"My Senate Republican colleagues and I worked hard the past few years to put the commonwealth in a better financial position," Regan stated. "The governor’s proposal would undo a lot of our work by spending more money than the state expects to collect. When government spends beyond its means, the result is deficits, future cuts to important programs or tax hikes. I don’t want to see any of those happen in Pennsylvania."

Regan noted areas where he aligns with Governor Shapiro, particularly in supporting law enforcement. The governor's budget includes plans for four new cadet classes for the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) next year.

“I’ve been a longtime supporter of law enforcement and the need to increase the state police complement,” said Regan, who chairs the Senate Law and Justice Committee and has experience as a U.S. Marshal before his legislative role. “The state police serve as the primary source of law enforcement in some communities and they’re the only thing standing between dangerous criminals and those residents.”

Additionally, both parties agree on sustainable funding for PSP. Shapiro suggests establishing an independent fund over five years for this purpose. While Regan supports moving PSP funding from the Motor License Fund, he indicates that discussions are needed regarding timelines and new funding sources.

School safety remains a top priority for Regan as budget discussions progress. He advocates for continued support for school resource officers and measures enhancing student and teacher safety.

“Parents shouldn’t have to fear sending their children to school each day and school district boundaries shouldn’t impact whether one school is safer than the next,” he said.

Regan also backs maintaining current levels of support through programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), which offers tax benefits for businesses contributing to local schools. However, Shapiro's budget does not propose increasing funds available through EITC.

For further details about Senator Mike Regan's positions, his website is www.SenatorMikeReganPa.com.