Happy Valley Times

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Wayne Langerholc, Jr. have voiced their concerns regarding Governor Josh Shapiro's decision to reallocate $153 million of federal highway and bridge capital funds. The statement issued by the senators highlights their stance on transit funding and infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania.

"Our Senate Republican Caucus has made it clear from the outset that we will examine transit funding that makes sense and can be justified to commonwealth taxpayers who are being asked to pay the bill," they stated. "We will not, and we have not wavered from our position."

The senators referred to a bipartisan agreement reached in July, which temporarily funded SEPTA and other transit agencies with $80.5 million. They emphasized that this funding came with conditions for reassessing the delivery model due to reduced ridership caused by COVID-19, remote work trends, and safety concerns within the system.

"It is apparent today that the Democrats’ mindset is we can just spend more money on transit regardless of where it comes from," they said. The senators criticized what they described as a "fairytale wish list" by Governor Shapiro for increasing SEPTA funding without legislative involvement.

They expressed concern over reallocating funds away from road and bridge projects in Republican districts, stating, "Now, instead of getting stuff done, the governor is taking stuff away by allowing roads and bridges in Republican districts to deteriorate."

The statement also highlighted Pennsylvania's significant contribution to mass transit nationally while stressing the need for addressing root causes rather than merely increasing spending. "Robbing Peter to pay Paul should not be the solution to this problem," they asserted.

The senators concluded by emphasizing their commitment to reforming transit models with stakeholder input: "We remain committed to common sense reform with stakeholder input that benefits all commonwealth taxpayers."