Ward: ‘We can pass budget today if we let Democrats, governor have their tax increase’
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland) said that Pennsylvania’s 94-day budget impasse could end today if Senate Republicans let Gov. Josh Shapiro and House Democrats “have their tax increase.”
Appearing on 1210 WPHT’s Dom Giordano Show, Ward criticized Democrats for the delay in passing a budget that was due on June 30.
“It’s been a long road, we’re late with the budget, and I keep telling people we can pass a budget today if we don’t fight to keep your taxes down. We can pass a budget if let the Democrats and the governor have their tax increase,” she said. “This is really a fight about how much of the money is going places. We can’t afford this. Nobody, nobody runs their house or business in this manner. It’s not responsible.”
Ward was complementary of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who received the state GOP endorsement for governor in the 2026 race against Shapiro, particularly for her move to make $500 million available for the state’s Head Start providers and county governments.
“Stacy stands for ‘she is getting stuff done,’” said Ward. “She said we have the money. The tax dollars continue to flow into our coffers. I can loan you the money. Now she has to, by federal law, charge an interest rate that is less than what you can get on the free market.
“We (the Senate Republicans) came in yesterday and said let’s forgive the interest rate. She can’t forgive it, but the legislature can give her the ability to not charge interest. If the Democrats fight this, they do so at their own peril. She’s essentially helping these counties and Head Start and rape crisis centers have their money.”
Ward also reiterated her stance that Senate Republicans are noble in their stance during the impasse.
“It’s how do we best help the people that we’re responsible for,” she said. “We are fighting for the taxpayers. That’s why this budget is held up. We don’t everybody to get a big tax increase next year and the year after.”
The Westmoreland County senator was also apoplectic when Giordano informed her that the City of Philadelphia raised a flag of the People’s Republic of China at City Hall on Tuesday.
The Philadelphia Honors Diversity Flag Raising Program is administered through a collaboration between the Office of the City Representative (OCR) and the Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA). The program has flown 40 flags since its inception in 2018 with consistent return applicants each year, honoring residents with international heritage and making Philadelphia a more welcoming city for immigrants.
The city’s OIA defended the decision by saying it was celebrating “the cultural heritage and contributions of our city’s communities.”
Ward expressed shock when informed and then took a shot at the City of Brotherly Love.
“What? I need a picture of that. That is unbelievable. It’s like Philadelphia sometimes isn’t even a part of our country,” she said. “This is bad.”
“The way to fund critical services like our schools, counties, and nonprofits is for State Senate Republicans to come back to work, find agreement with the State House, and send a budget to the Governor’s desk,” said Press Secretary Rosie Lapowsky. “The Governor introduced his budget plan 240 days ago, and Senate Republicans have been in session just 29 days since then – it’s past time for them to do their jobs and send a budget to the Governor’s desk for signature.”
Trade deadline
Brilliant, Steve. Just like everyone else expects. This Phillies team lacks something. It is not starting pitching. Zack Wheeler, Ranger Suarez, Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo have been great. Only one thing to say about Kyle Schwarber – sign the man! My big three things to fix are heart, hitting and the bullpen, not in that order. Many like manager Rob Thomson’s steady hand, but admit it, wouldn’t you like to see a little more fire from the lineup? Another right-handed bat would be helpful, but the biggest problem is the backend of the bullpen. The Phils may have to say goodbye to promising prospects such as Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller to make a run at a top-flight closer. Are you all in for 2025? We’re about to find out if President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is?
Steve Ulrich is managing editor of Politics PA.
