Pennsylvania GOP lawmakers claim new transit system money favors Democratic districts at the expense of rural ones

Republican lawmakers in Pennsylvania are pushing back on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s (D-PA) unilateral decision to divert more than $150 million in federal highway funding to help Philadelphia’s fledgling mass transit system, claiming the move hurts their districts while providing relief for Democratic-leaning ones.

“I watched Gov. Shapiro’s announcement about SEPTA funding with great interest as I am always concerned when unilateral decisions are made regarding tax dollars,” Rep. Jesse Topper (R-PA) posted on social media. “There is a reason we have a legislative process and diverting money away from its legislative intent is a dangerous precedent.”