Representatives Recommit to Preserving State’s Savings, Barger Says

June 3, 2026

HARRISBURG - Forty-three state representatives, including Rep. Scott Barger (R-Blair/Huntingdon), signed a pledge saying they will not vote for, support or advance any state budget that drains the Rainy Day Fund established in 2002 to address emergencies.

The signatories indicate they will oppose any use of the Rainy Day Fund to balance the budget, close structural deficits or fund recurring expenditures. They authored the pledge in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposal to increase state spending by $2.7 billion.

"Our constituents should be reassured that we recognize the true purpose of saving money in the Rainy Day Fund - to be used only for a rainy day," Barger said. "The governor's appetite to spend, spend, spend has already detrimentally affected the Rainy Day Fund. We need to protect it from further erosion."

The Rainy Day Fund is projected to hold about $8 billion by the end of June. That represents about 53 days of state spending.

Signatories of the open letter to constituents note any use of the Rainy Day Fund requires a two-thirds vote of the General Assembly.

To read a copy of the letter, visit RepBarger.com/RainyDayFund.

Representative Scott Barger
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jennifer Fitch
717-260-6563
[email protected]
RepBarger.com / facebook.com/RepBarger