Southwest PA News

Rep. Bud Cook of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing impasse over the 2023-24 state budget. In a statement, Cook emphasized that the issue transcends party lines and focuses on performance and accountability to the public.

"For the past six years since I’ve been here, we have had on-time budgets and balanced budgets," Cook stated. He highlighted achievements such as growing the Rainy Day Fund from $300 million to $5 billion while investing in education and supporting essential government functions like healthcare and public safety. According to Cook, these accomplishments were made possible through collaboration between a Republican Legislature and a Democrat governor.

Cook criticized current Democratic leaders in the House for failing to advance the budget process, prompting intervention by the Senate to negotiate with the governor. "When the governor wasn’t able to get the people of his own party to support the deal he negotiated, he not only backed away from the deal but blamed the Senate for his own failures," Cook said.

He urged Governor Shapiro to take responsibility, stating, "The people of Pennsylvania deserve a governor who is a man of his word, who will negotiate in good faith." Cook called for leadership that prioritizes unity and service to citizens over personal interests.

The situation remains unresolved as both parties work towards reaching an agreement that benefits all Pennsylvanians.