Aug. 25, 2025
HARRISBURG – Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today announced she is co-sponsoring legislation introduced by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) to provide dedicated funding for critical transportation infrastructure without burdening taxpayers with long-term debt.
“With the state budget now more than six weeks overdue, the House was called back to Harrisburg on Sunday, Aug. 10, not to vote on a budget that would keep schools, hospitals, counties and nonprofits funded, but instead to take up a flawed transportation plan that borrows against taxpayers and diverts more sales tax revenue to mass transit,” said Gaydos. “Rather than wasting $500 million in bonded debt that taxpayers would repay with interest for decades, we should use a portion of our $7 billion Rainy Day Fund to fix our bridges and roads now. This is a commonsense solution that provides safe infrastructure without saddling taxpayers with unnecessary borrowing.”
The proposal would allocate $2.5 billion from the Rainy Day Fund over the next five fiscal years, with $500 million per year dedicated to PennDOT for the repair of weight-restricted and structurally deficient bridges. PennDOT would also have discretion to use a portion of the funds for highway projects.
According to PennDOT, there are more than 2,100 bridges in poor condition, more than 400 weight restricted, and 32 closed. Gaydos stressed that waiting only puts more drivers at risk.
“We have already seen the devastating consequences of aging infrastructure, most notably the collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh,” Gaydos added. “Pennsylvanians deserve to know their daily commutes are safe. I can think of no better use for a portion of our Rainy Day Fund than ensuring the safety and reliability of the bridges that people depend on every day.”
The Senate advanced a temporary budget bill this week that would have provided $47.6 billion to keep government running at last year’s spending levels while negotiations continue on a final budget. Unfortunately, House Democrats blocked that effort and chose instead to force a vote on more borrowing.
“This was a missed opportunity to provide immediate relief and stability while negotiations continue,” said Gaydos. “Pennsylvanians deserve solutions, not more gridlock. That is why I am proud to support this legislation to responsibly invest in our infrastructure while protecting taxpayers.”
The legislation has yet to be assigned to a House committee for consideration.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com
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