Fight Continues to Put 63rd District First, Says Bashline

June 26, 2026

HARRISBURG – As the General Assembly continues to negotiate a budget for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, Rep. Josh Bashline (R-Clarion/Armstrong) continues his fight to put the residents of the 63rd District first on issues such as the budget, education, data center development, utility costs and games of skill.

Bashline released the following statement: 

“As budget negotiations continue, my priority remains clear: deliver a responsible budget that protects essential services without asking Pennsylvania families to pay higher taxes. We should increase state revenue through economic prosperity and job creation, not by raising taxes, and my hope is to see a fiscally responsible budget completed as soon as possible. If the product does not reflect the priorities of the 63rd District, then I will be a resounding ‘no’ on it.

“I will continue fighting to preserve and expand the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, which gives more students access to educational opportunities while strengthening our schools and communities. I opposed the recent passage of House Bill 2632 because it makes significant cuts to the EITC and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs that would limit school choice for young people. Students deserve to thrive in the classroom and maximize their potential. The legislation, however, would do the opposite.

“I’m also committed to finding a commonsense solution for skill games that protects the thousands of small businesses, VFWs, American Legions, grocery stores and community organizations that rely on this important source of revenue. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court determined games of skill are unlawful slot machines under the Gaming Act, and my colleagues and I are back to the drawing board to come up with legislation on this industry that will both help businesses and protect our most vulnerable from the darkness of addiction.

“When it comes to data centers, the decisions should be made by the communities that will host them. I voted in favor of House Bill 2496, which would allow a municipality to pause applications for data center proposals for no longer than 180 days – giving them ample time to review facts and not misinformation. Local governments should have the authority to determine what’s best for their residents, while ensuring projects are developed safely, responsibly and in ways that deliver real benefits to the communities they serve. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work. By establishing local control, the people most impacted can exercise their voice during this process.

“Finally, Pennsylvanians deserve relief from rising utility bills. I proudly voted for legislation that would deliver the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history while making it easier to build the energy infrastructure needed to increase supply, lower costs for consumers, create family-sustaining jobs and keep our Commonwealth energy strong. House Bill 2224 would eliminate the nearly 6% tax on electricity, saving Pennsylvania families $1.7 billion. While this is a great start, I believe more can be done to alleviate the mounting financial pressures middle-class families are experiencing. My colleagues and I are advocating for a six-month suspension of the tax on cell phone services and the gas tax, as well as a temporary reduction in the state’s Personal Income Tax. Additional sales tax holidays have been proposed on an array of items, from baby supplies and sports equipment to gardening supplies and tools. Pennsylvanians work extremely hard to afford necessities. The mission continues to create tangible results that allow you to keep more of your money, not less.”



Representative Josh Bashline
63rd Legislative District 
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com