Rep. Bud Cook, who represents Pennsylvania’s 50th Legislative District covering Greene and Washington counties, has responded to Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed $53.26 billion budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Cook is a Republican serving as secretary on the Agriculture Committee and chair of the Republican Subcommittee on Marketing to the Tourism Committee. He also has experience as a business owner and is involved in efforts to attract residents to southwestern Pennsylvania, according to his official website.
In his statement, Cook criticized the governor’s plan: “Gov. Josh Shaprio is at it again! For the fourth year in a row, he’s proposing a budget that overspends, over-commits and overlooks the need for fiscal responsibility.
“His plan represents a 5.4 % increase in spending over the current fiscal year, a move that shows he is short-sighted in his approach for the long-term growth of Pennsylvania.
“Shapiro’s spending dream will also drain the Rain Day Fund by 60%, or $4.6 billion.
“To balance his budget, Shapiro is relying on taxing skill games, legalizing recreational marijuana and increasing the minimum wage. The proposals aren’t guaranteed and building a budget on hopes and dreams instead of guaranteed revenue is not responsible governance.
“We need to be looking at policies that unleash Pennsylvania’s energy sector, which is vital to the 50th District. We have the potential to fully use the abundant energy resources under our feet to create jobs, lower costs and strengthen our economy.
“Shapiro’s proposal is just the starting point, and I’m committed to fighting against reckless spending while working to ensure Pennsylvania lives within its means.”
Cook participates in several committees related to agriculture, environmental issues, energy, tourism, and economic development according to his official biography. He leads initiatives such as ‘Come Home, Go Big and Have a Ball’ aimed at drawing more people to southwestern Pennsylvania according to his official website.
The governor’s address marks the start of Pennsylvania’s annual budget process. The proposal will be examined during three weeks of House Appropriations hearings beginning February 23.
