York County News

Following Governor Josh Shapiro's recent budget address, Representative Seth Grove of Dover issued a critical statement regarding the proposed financial plan. Rep. Grove highlighted his concerns over the management of Pennsylvania's budget surplus and spending increases.

Grove noted that when Gov. Shapiro assumed office, the state had a $42.7 billion budget along with an $8 billion surplus. He stated, "In just his third budget, he has eviscerated the $8 billion budgetary surplus and is proposing to balloon the state budget by $9 billion from when he took office by raiding the Rainy Day Fund." Grove expressed that such financial handling was unprecedented in Pennsylvania.

The representative questioned the outcomes of increased spending: "What are the outcomes of all this spending? Do we have a growing population? Have our students’ test scores drastically improved? Is our economic growth off the charts? What exactly is our return on investment?" He further criticized what he perceives as unchanged conditions for taxpayers, saying, "It’s simple, taxpayers get the status quo. Bigger government, bigger spending and no improvements. Garbage in, and garbage out."

For two years, Grove has advocated for alternative fiscal strategies aimed at sustainability. His proposals include zero-based budgeting similar to what Shapiro implemented in Montgomery County to help refocus state agencies on their core missions. Additionally, with a proposed $1.9 billion increase to the Department of Human Services' budget, Grove suggested implementing work requirements for able-bodied welfare recipients and eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse—an area where Shapiro identified potential savings of $2 billion—and integrating mental health with physical health Medicaid services.

Rep. Seth Grove represents Pennsylvania's 196th District in the House of Representatives.