Area GOP lawmakers concerned about Shapiro budget proposal’s spending – Bucks Round-Up – February 4, 2026
Area GOP lawmakers concerned about Shapiro budget proposal’s spending
Local Republican members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly registered concern yesterday regarding the five percent increase in spending Governor Josh Shapiro’s new budget proposal would eventuate. The governor’s plan would increase the total budget to $53.26 billion, using $4.58 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. “That fund was built to safeguard us in true emergencies, not to paper over deficits created by spending beyond our means,” Representative Kristin Marcell (R-Richboro) said in a statement while backing the Shapiro’s call for prioritizing career/technical education and workforce development programs. Her colleague to the north, Craig Staats (R-Quakertown), emphasized that the budget may ultimately get trimmed after he and his fellow Republicans work on it. “Today’s budget address marks the beginning of the process, not the final product,” he said. Even more critical was Jarrett Coleman, who represents Upper Bucks as well as Lehigh County in the Pennsylvania Senate which, unlike the state House of Representatives, is GOP-run. “Draining our savings to pay for everyday expenses is not responsible,” his statement lamented. “It is reckless. No family would call it responsible to spend more than they earn and wipe out their emergency fund just to make ends meet.” Lawmakers have until June 30 to pass a budget to ensure state-employee furloughs and program pauses are avoided.
Bucks County’s Parks and Rec outlines plan for parks
Bucks County Parks and Recreation officials unveiled a comprehensive recreation and open space plan focused on conservation, access, education, and partnerships. Director Angie Nagle said residents strongly support parks as essential to quality of life, noting recreation-related visits generate an estimated $169 million for the local economy. Nagle outlined the key objectives of Bucks County Parks and Recreation: “conserving parks in natural areas, and historical sites through sustainable practices, connecting visitors’ parks through equitable access and improved mobility, enhancing educational and interpretive programs that deepen our understanding of natural and cultural heritage, and strengthening our partnerships across public, private and non-profit sectors.” The Bucks County commissioners have pledged support for the plan’s long-term vision.
Newtown Library Company calls on township supervisors for financial help
Representatives of the Newtown Library Company appeared before the Township Board of Supervisors seeking financial assistance. Founded in 1760, the organization operates the Newtown Library and Joseph Barnsley Free Reading Room and receives no state or free-library funding. Board members emphasized that while family memberships cost just $25 per year and the library is largely volunteer-run, it provides public programs including children’s story time, free Wi-Fi, and educational walking tours for local schools. About half of the library’s members live in Newtown Township, though only Newtown Borough currently contributes funding — budgeted at $3,000 for 2026. Supervisors took no immediate action but said the request could be revisited.
Police: Speeding leads to fatal crash in Bensalem
Bensalem Township Police say speeding played a major role in a deadly three-vehicle crash near the Interstate 95 interchange on Street Road just after midnight Tuesday. Officers, along with fire and EMS crews, arrived to find a silver 2013 Chevrolet Sonic fully engulfed in flames. The driver, identified as 44-year-old Timur Khabelov of Brooklyn, New York, had been ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in the Chevrolet — Farruh Homidov, 43, and Askar Narziev, 39 — were pulled from the burning car and transported to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where they remain in critical condition. Drivers of the other vehicles involved, a 2017 Dodge Journey and a 2015 Honda Accord, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police say the Chevrolet was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed, failed to stop for a red light at the northbound I-95 ramp, and struck the Dodge Journey, which had a green signal. The impact sent the Chevrolet airborne, across the median, and into the stopped Honda. The crash was captured on township intersection cameras. Investigators have not ruled out drugs or alcohol, pending toxicology results.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490. Bradley Vasoli is the senior editor of The Independence.
