Westmoreland Review

Rep. Jill Cooper of Westmoreland County expressed concerns following Governor Josh Shapiro's recent budget address, citing the proposed $51.47 billion expenditure as a 7.5% increase over the current fiscal year. "Pennsylvanians simply can’t afford to send that much more of their hard-earned dollars to Harrisburg," she stated.

Cooper criticized the plan's reliance on the Commonwealth’s Rainy Day Fund to cover recurring expenses, warning that this could lead to future tax increases. She noted, "Once those reserves are spent, the only way we can sustain government will be to increase revenue." She emphasized that voters have called for greater government efficiency and reduced spending.

While Cooper acknowledged support for investments in police and fire protection within Shapiro's proposal, she highlighted a lack of funding for ambulance services, which she described as being in a fiscal crisis.

Cooper agreed with several of Shapiro’s priorities, including education, economic development, and public safety but stressed fiscal responsibility: "We can’t write blank checks." She indicated plans to collaborate with colleagues on a budget plan that aligns with these priorities while protecting taxpayer dollars.