Aug. 11, 2025
HARRISBURG - Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) issued the following statement explaining her vote against
House Bill 1788, a last-minute mass transit funding plan, which passed the House today. The legislation would increase the percentage of state sales tax funds being used for mass transit and allow the state to borrow money for road and bridge projects.
“I support mass transit and understand how essential it is for people across Pennsylvania to get to work, school or medical appointments. But funding must be fair, transparent and focused on serving those who need it most. That is not what this bill does.
“This proposal pours more money into systems that continue to show declining ridership and rising costs without demanding meaningful reforms. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has a long history of inefficiencies and mismanagement. It is unacceptable for our communities in Allegheny County to be held hostage financially to bail out another agency’s budget crisis, while our own transit system faces service cuts and fare increases.
“The bill increases the share of sales tax revenue for transit to more than $1.7 billion next year, which is a 136% increase compared to a decade ago. At the same time, taxpayers are being asked to take on hundreds of millions of dollars in new debt for infrastructure projects, with no guarantee that western Pennsylvania will benefit proportionally. Once interest is factored in, the cost of this one-time borrowing could balloon to more than $1 billion in taxpayer obligations.
“Major financial decisions like this should not be rushed through outside of the full state budget process. Any long-term commitments involving tax increases, borrowing or new funding formulas must be debated as part of a complete, transparent plan for Pennsylvania’s future. It is irresponsible to pass a bill that creates permanent financial consequences without knowing how it fits into the bigger picture.
“Taxpayers deserve accountability. Before we increase funding again, we need to ensure agencies such as Pittsburgh Regional Transit and SEPTA are efficient with the dollars they already receive. The Commonwealth directs more than $1.3 billion to mass transit each year, even as ridership remains well below pre-pandemic levels.
“I voted ‘no’ because I will not support legislation that puts more burden on hardworking taxpayers without fixing the underlying problems. Western Pennsylvania deserves its fair share, not a blank check for systems that refuse to change. I will continue to fight for our communities to ensure accountability and fairness.”
The legislation now moves on to the Senate for consideration.
To view Rep. Gaydos’ comments prior to the vote on House Bill 1788, click here.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepGaydos.com / Facebook.com/RepGaydos