Key Investments Featured in Budget Proposal, Mehaffie Says

February 4, 2025

HARRISBURG – As Rep. Tom Mehaffie (R-Dauphin) listened to his ninth budget address today, he described the feeling of déjà vu similar to the movie “Groundhog Day.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro addressed the General Assembly to share his 2025-26 spending wish list, setting up a series of House and Senate budget hearings that will begin soon for the fiscal year that starts July 1. The governor’s address each year serves as a starting point for negotiations.

“This is a great foundation for discussions about innovations in early childhood education, healthcare systems, medical research, and mental health programs within schools. It is important we make investments in our young people and healthcare workers,” Mehaffie said.

The budget proposal as presented focuses on increased energy production and accelerated reductions in the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate to make Pennsylvania more business friendly, Mehaffie said.

Mehaffie said he will always support concepts that seek to support businesses, workforce development and apprenticeship programs. He wants to ensure Pennsylvania is well poised to be an economic powerhouse for decades to come.

Mehaffie supported past legislation to incrementally lower the CNIT rate from 9.99% to an eventual 4.99%. (It is currently 7.99%.) Shapiro indicated he wants to see the reduction happen more quickly.

“I agree with the governor that we must close the Delaware loophole in which companies incorporate out of state to avoid paying their fair share of business taxes,” Mehaffie said.

Mehaffie praised gains made in recent months, including offering free breakfasts to K-12 students statewide and hiring more state troopers. He also encouraged further investments in avian flu research and containment protocols.

“Particularly with having just lost a major farm in Lower Swatara Township, I’m keenly aware of how it has affected chicken farms and farm workers,” Mehaffie said, noting the House this week passed legislation to add certified poultry technicians. “I am committed to doing anything I can to stop the spread of this disease and protect Pennsylvanians.”

Mehaffie said a highlight of the speech was the section focused on Pennsylvania’s energy future.
“The governor rightfully acknowledged the state’s role as a major energy producer and exporter. He and I both know that lawmakers need to work across the aisle to cut energy costs, increase generation and control prices on the utility bills consumers receive,” Mehaffie said.

Representative Thomas L. Mehaffie III
106th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives