Rep. Kristin Marcell, who represents Bucks County in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, responded to Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026–27 state budget with concerns about increased spending and use of reserve funds. Marcell has a background in education and public policy, holds degrees from Penn State University and George Washington University, and has served on the Council Rock School Board as well as held communications roles in various industries, according to her official website.
In her statement, Marcell said, “Families across Bucks County are doing everything they can to stretch their dollars in this economy. They deserve a budget that does the same. Instead, the governor has proposed a more than 5% increase in state spending, bringing the total budget to $53.26 billion and drawing down $4.58 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. That fund was built to safeguard us in true emergencies, not to paper over deficits created by spending beyond our means.”
Marcell added that as a member of the House Appropriations Committee she would be closely involved in reviewing the budget: “As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I will spend the next several weeks at budget hearings, reviewing each line item and questioning agency leaders about how tax dollars are being used. We need to be smart, disciplined and honest about what the Commonwealth can afford.”
She also expressed support for some aspects of Governor Shapiro’s proposal: “That said, I support the governor’s call to invest in career and technical education and workforce development programs that help Pennsylvania meet its full economic potential. I am also encouraged by his focus on improving professional licensing processes, which complements my own legislation to expand access to cosmetology apprenticeships.”
Marcell concluded by emphasizing fiscal responsibility: “Pennsylvania must prioritize sustainable investments that reflect the needs of working families while protecting taxpayers from long-term fiscal risk. That is my focus during this budget process.”
Marcell resides in Wrightstown with her husband and two children according to her official biography. She continues to serve Bucks County constituents through her legislative work.
