Sep. 03, 2025
By State Rep. Valerie Gaydos
44th District
Pennsylvanians are tired of excuses. Our state has more than $7 billion sitting in the Rainy Day Fund while more than 2,000 bridges are in poor condition, more than 400 are weight-restricted and dozens are closed altogether. Meanwhile, Democrat leaders in Harrisburg continue to push plans that borrow billions and saddle taxpayers with decades of debt instead of solving the problem right now.
I refuse to accept that approach. Borrowing against taxpayers when we have emergency money for such use is irresponsible. We can and should use a portion of the Rainy Day Fund to fix our roads and bridges immediately. The fund was created to meet needs like this one. It is there for moments of urgent need when public safety is at risk. There is no greater risk than unsafe bridges families, workers and first responders depend on every day.
The collapse of the Fern Hollow Bridge in Pittsburgh showed us the devastating consequences of delay. We cannot wait until another bridge falls before taking action. Investing in infrastructure today saves lives and money in the long run. Waiting only makes repairs more expensive and dangerous.
Legislation, authored by Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin), which I am supporting, would allocate $2.5 billion over the next five years, with $500 million each year dedicated to PennDOT. The department would be able to focus these resources on weight-restricted and structurally deficient bridges, and direct funds toward critical highway projects. This is a responsible, commonsense plan that makes use of money we already have without raising taxes or adding debt.
Unfortunately, rather than advancing a temporary budget measure that would have kept essential services funded while negotiations continue, the House majority chose to block it and press forward with more borrowing. That is politics at its worst. Pennsylvanians deserve solutions, not gridlock.
Using a portion of the Rainy Day Fund is the right answer. It protects taxpayers, strengthens our economy and, most importantly, ensures the safety of the people who travel our roads every day.
I will continue to fight for this approach because it is smarter, safer and more responsible than burdening future generations with debt.
Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) is a member of the House of Representatives Liquor Control, Commerce, Finance and Professional Licensure committees. She has also been assigned to serve on the newly formed House Communications and Technology Committee. Currently, Gaydos is the chair of the House Life Sciences Caucus, a member of the House Cancer Caucus and the House Cyber Security Caucus.
Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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