Cook Votes Against Budget, Cites Unsustainable Spending and Lack of Fiscal Responsibility

July 12, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) issued the following statement after voting against the 2026-27 state budget:

“It’s a shame we needed to use taxpayer money to come in on a weekend to do the work of the people after House Democrats, who are in the majority, failed to get a reasonable budget to the Senate on time that both sides could agree on.

“We are now dealing with another structurally deficient budget, one that spends $4.8 billion more than we projected to bring in.


“We are relying on accounting maneuvers to mask the Commonwealth’s financial situation, and without it, we would be spending from the Rainy Day Fund. That is simply not acceptable.

“Let’s hope for the future of this great state we find a better path forward, one that focuses on fiscal responsibility, increased transparency and protecting taxpayers.”



Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives