Northhampton News

Rep. Zach Mako of the Lehigh and Northampton districts has expressed his reservations regarding Governor Tom Wolf's proposed budget of $43.7 billion for the state. Mako highlights an increase in spending by $6.2 billion compared to the current fiscal year as a primary concern.

"I have serious concerns surrounding this proposal," Mako stated. "It increases spending by $6.2 billion over the current fiscal year. We have our fiscal house in order. Now, because the governor is in his final term, he wants to burn it down. While the governor is leaving, most of the members of the General Assembly will return and be left to rebuild."

Mako further criticized the budget for not addressing issues with the unemployment system, which he claims constituents frequently bring up. He noted that while $30 million is allocated to expand childcare facilities exclusively for state employees in Harrisburg, many local childcare centers have closed due to pandemic regulations without receiving additional support.

"Nowhere in his proposal do I see anything to address this," Mako commented on unemployment concerns. He also pointed out that despite allowing telework for most state employees, there is no financial assistance provided for child care services in his district.

Additionally, Mako emphasized missed opportunities for utilizing surplus funds effectively, such as providing property tax relief or increasing reserves in the Rainy Day Fund.

"We have a real opportunity here to build on the current budget which put $2.6 billion in the state’s Rainy Day Fund," said Mako. "We planned for the future by responsibly using stimulus funds. Now is not the time to go backwards."

The 183rd District includes parts of South Whitehall, Washington and Whitehall townships, Slatington Borough in Lehigh County, and several areas within Northampton County.

For more details on Pennsylvania's 2022-23 state budget, interested parties are directed to visit pahousegop.com.