Gaydos: Building a stronger, more affordable Pennsylvania
One of the most important responsibilities I have as your 44th Legislative District representative is voting on Pennsylvania’s annual budget. Every dollar we spend should reflect the priorities of the people we serve while ensuring we remain fiscally responsible. Although no budget is perfect, I believe this year’s plan strikes the right balance between responsible spending and meaningful investments.
That is why I voted in favor of the 2026-27 state budget.
This $50.8 billion budget does not raise broad-based taxes or tap into the Rainy Day Fund. Through stronger-than-expected revenues, responsible financial management and targeted savings, we were able to invest in the priorities that matter while protecting taxpayers and preserving affordability.
The budget provides funding for our local schools, roads and bridges, career and technical education and public safety. It includes an additional $10 million for career and technical education to prepare students for high-demand careers and continues investments in the Rapid Bridge and Road Deployment Program to improve infrastructure across Pennsylvania.
As our economy continues to grow, we must also protect families from rising energy costs. I remain committed to ensuring large-scale data centers and other energy-intensive projects do not drive up utility bills for Pennsylvania households and small businesses. Economic growth should never come at the expense of affordability.
I was also proud to support long-overdue cost-of-living adjustments for pre-Act 9 retirees and retired municipal police officers and firefighters who have gone more than 20 years without an increase. These public servants earned that recognition through decades of dedicated service.
At the end of the day, my job is to make decisions that are in the best interest of our communities. This budget invests in education, workforce development, infrastructure and public safety while protecting taxpayers and maintaining Pennsylvania’s financial stability. It reflects responsible leadership, and I was proud to vote “yes.”
Big Boy Brings History Roaring into Leetsdale
There’s something special about seeing history come to life, and that’s exactly what happened when Union Pacific Big Boy Steam Locomotive No. 4014 rolled into Leetsdale on July 11.
I was proud to welcome the world’s largest operating steam locomotive to my hometown as thousands of rail enthusiasts, families and visitors lined the tracks to witness this incredible piece of American history.
Watching Big Boy 4014 make its way through Leetsdale was an unforgettable sight, but what stood out even more was seeing families and visitors lining the tracks to get a glimpse of the train. It was a day that showcased our community spirit while celebrating a remarkable piece of living history that continues to inspire people of all ages.
Originally built during World War II to haul heavy freight over the rugged Wasatch Mountains, Big Boy 4014 is one of only eight surviving locomotives of its kind and the only one still operating today. Its visit to Leetsdale gave our community the rare opportunity to experience this engineering marvel up close.
I was also honored to present Pennsylvania House of Representatives citations to Leetsdale Mayor Sandra Ford and Union Pacific Chief Engineer Ed Dickens in recognition of this historic visit and the community effort that helped make the day such a success.
Thank you to everyone who came out to welcome Big Boy 4014. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to celebrate our shared history and create memories that will last for years to come.
To stay informed about additional legislative activity, or if you require assistance with any state-related issues, please contact my district office at 412-262-3780 or visit my website at https://repgaydos.com/
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