Rep. Josh Siegel calls on Senate Republicans/Sen. Coleman to do their jobs
Demands vote on budget and funding for public transit
Rep. Josh Siegel August 6, 2025 | 4:02 PM
HARRISBURG, Aug. 6 – House Democrats today, and for the fifth time, will lead on funding public transit, bridges and roads, investing in all Pennsylvania communities from small towns, big cities, and rural and urban areas alike, by passing legislation that includes Senate Republican measures introduced during the protracted state budget and public transit debate, according to state Rep. Josh Siegel.
“Senate Republicans and Senator Jarrett Coleman are holding Pennsylvania’s economy hostage and threatening the livelihoods of millions of Pennsylvania residents, cutting people off from their jobs, healthcare and education,” said Siegel, D-Lehigh. “Public transit is a public good, it enables our businesses to thrive, connects seniors and veterans to healthcare and students to the classroom. Senate Republicans need to stop playing politics with people’s lives.”
The House Transportation Committee, of which Siegel is a member, is voting today on legislation today both includes funding for buses, trains, bridges and roads, and also has accountability standards in it that have been repeatedly demanded by Senate Republican leadership in exchange for funding.
“This legislation ensures that SEPTA and PRT are subjected to additional oversight around their financial stability and policies and procedures so taxpayers can feel confident in this investment. If Republicans are serious about these measures and not simply playing games, there are no further excuses for not stepping up.
“Senator Coleman needs to tell his leadership that the 11,000 Lehigh Valley residents who ride LANTA daily shouldn’t be sacrificed on the altar of political theater,” Siegel said.
Without adequate state funding, LANTA is calling for 20% cut in their fixed-routes and a 25% hike in their fares. LANTA’s bus system is facing an $8 million funding shortfall.
“Make no mistake, if Senate Republicans and Senator Coleman allow public transportation to fail, they’re committing economic arson and a self-created disaster. Pennsylvania’s economy will falter, jobs and revenue will be lost and other critical services like education, mental health and addiction treatment will suffer in the fallout. Senate Republicans are being reckless and self-destructive,” Siegel said.