State Rep. Cook, Bud | Pennsylvania 50th Legislative District
State Rep. Cook, Bud | Pennsylvania 50th Legislative District
While Governor Josh Shapiro recently signed the General Appropriations bill into law, Representative Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) has highlighted ongoing challenges in finalizing the state budget process. According to Cook, essential programs and services require a balanced and responsible budget.
"As elected members of the Legislature, we have a collective responsibility to adopt a state budget to ensure essential programs and services are properly funded and can continue to meet the needs of our residents," said Cook. "We also have a responsibility to ensure that budget is balanced and responsible to the taxpayers of this Commonwealth."
Cook criticized the current administration's handling of the budget, stating, "The Shapiro administration and majority House Democrats are failing on both fronts."
Despite the signing of the General Appropriations bill, which allows for distribution of state funding to various entities, certain "code bills" necessary for directing specific funds remain unadopted. This delay affects funding for public legal defense, housing, and aid for poorer school districts.
"Code bills tend to be the most complicated and time-consuming element of adopting a budget each year, but the folks in charge have done little to no negotiation on these bills yet," Cook explained. He noted that negotiations might be more challenging due to trust issues between the governor and Senate Republicans.
Earlier in July, an agreement was reached between Governor Shapiro and Senate Republicans on a budget bill that included $100 million for a scholarship program aimed at students in low-performing schools. However, when support from his party faltered, Governor Shapiro broke this agreement.
"While I am generally pleased to see agencies and service providers get the money they need to serve our citizens," Cook stated, "I remain deeply concerned about this state budget and its long-term impact on the taxpayers who pay for it." He added concerns about potential future tax increases due to spending exceeding anticipated revenues.
Representative Bud Cook remains committed to advocating for more prudent fiscal policies.
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