Cooper Issues Response to Governor’s Budget

March 7, 2023

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) issued the below statement following Tuesday’s budget address:

“I have several concerns with the plan Gov. Josh Shapiro touted during today’s budget address. His plan to increase spending by nearly 6% over the current year is going to drain the Commonwealth’s budgetary reserves in three years and the Rainy Day Fund in about five years. These funds are important safety cushions. Pennsylvania families think twice before dipping into their savings and state government should be no different.

“That said, I do share many of Gov. Shapiro’s priorities, particularly related to delivering quality education, public safety and responsive health care. I also appreciate his effort to improve the business permitting process by making it more efficient. Pennsylvania loses business expansions and job growth opportunities to other states, often because of bureaucratic roadblocks. We need to reverse that.

“This is still very early in the budget process and I look forward to the upcoming Appropriations Committee hearings, where an extensive look at the Commonwealth’s fiscal standing will occur. Throughout budget discussions, I will continue to prioritize government’s key functions and services, such as education and public safety, while keeping spending in check.

“Throughout all of this, I’ll remain committed to my core values of fiscal responsibility. Families in my district are facing significant inflation pressures and are making some pretty tough choices about how they spend their money. So, I’ll be fighting against measures that expand state spending, and make certain that state government is making those same tough choices.”

Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper