Southwest PA News

Gov. Josh Shapiro has been promoting what he describes as "historic" investments in education, economic development, and public safety, suggesting that the state budget is finalized. However, 50th District State Representative Bud Cook challenges this portrayal, stating that only half of the four essential components of the state budget are complete.

According to Rep. Cook, while the General Appropriations bill was signed into law on August 3 by Gov. Shapiro, it includes over $1 billion in funding that cannot be distributed until the remaining parts of the budget process are concluded. This delay affects funding for schools, disadvantaged businesses, indigent defense, home repair programs, and state-related universities such as Pitt, Penn State, Temple, and Lincoln.

Rep. Cook questions why the Legislature has not been in session since early July and why Gov. Shapiro has not urged his party members to reconvene at the Capitol. He attributes this to political dynamics within the state House following Allegheny Democrat Sara Innamorato's resignation which left the chamber evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

While the General Appropriations Act and certain "housekeeping" bills are completed, critical code bills like School Code, Tax Code, Fiscal Code, Administrative Code remain unfinished. The same applies to bills concerning funding for state-related universities.

Rep. Cook calls it irresponsible for Gov. Shapiro to mislead citizens about the budget's status and criticizes the Democrat majority for not completing the process. He urges a return to legislative work to resolve these issues.

Representative Bud Cook

50th Legislative District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives