Letter to the editor: Weak Republicans failed on Pa. budget

Our weak Pennsylvania Republicans were asked by President Trump and patriot groups not to pass the state budget until Act 77 was overturned. They passed it with a 10.7% spending increase from $40.8 billion to $45.2 billion. Apparently having the highest tolls and fuel tax is OK.

They spin their addiction by saying it’s only a 2.9% increase, including American Rescue Plan Act funds. In 2019, our budget was $33.9 billion. They claim this is a bipartisan victory, but I say we have a uniparty with very little difference between Republicans and Democrats.

When I campaigned for governor, I asked for a 5% budget decrease so we could cut the business tax, tolls and fuel tax. Have you ever seen a politician who cut spending?

Our Republicans fought us tooth and nail on Act 77, arguing that it was good legislation even though it cost Trump the Pennsylvania election. Now nine pathetic Republicans have endorsed Josh Shapiro for governor. They prefer to take a knee to the progressives rather than fight.

That is the extreme difference between patriots like Trump, Doug Mastriano and myself and the swamp, the “ bury your head in the sand” Republicans. And just to slap the weak Republicans around a little more, Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed bills for allowing additional poll watchers and stopping transgender athletes from competing against biological females.

On a positive note, they did adopt my plan to cut the business tax from 10% to 5%. I think Wolf hijacked my idea days after the Blair County debate; I have the video.

John Ventre

Hempfield