Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
02/03/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2026 12:57
Cook: Shapiro Is at It Again, Overspending and Ignoring Fiscal Responsibility
Feb. 03, 2026
HARRISBURG - Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro's $53.26 billion budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
"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."
The governor's address is the beginning of the annual budgetary process. The budget will be thoroughly analyzed during three weeks of House Appropriations hearings beginning Feb. 23. For more information on the 2026-27 state budget, go to PABudget.com.
Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
[email protected]
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook
"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."
The governor's address is the beginning of the annual budgetary process. The budget will be thoroughly analyzed during three weeks of House Appropriations hearings beginning Feb. 23. For more information on the 2026-27 state budget, go to PABudget.com.
Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
[email protected]
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on February 03, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 03, 2026 at 18:57 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]