HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Numbers, the saying goes, don’t lie. But both sides are using them differently in the Pennsylvania budget debate.

“We have a $3 billion operational surplus,” said Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia). “We sit on $7 billion in the state’s rainy day fund.”

Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-Berks/Lancaster) sees it differently: “We’re grappling with over a $3 billion structural deficit.”

The math seemingly in conflict is correct. The state has $3 billion in reserve and a $7.4 billion rainy day fund. The Democrats’ budget is $50.6 billion, more than the state will take in but not more, they argue, than it can afford.

“At what point are we gonna look to that and say it’s appropriate to use those resources?” asked Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).

Senate Republicans passed a no-increase $47.6 billion budget.

“Our budgetary fund balance is declining, and our rainy day fund is stagnant,” said Republican Leader Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland).

GOP math is also correct. Pennsylvania took in $46.5 billion last year, less than it spent. A lot less when considering the chunk it has to return.

“Close to $2 billion of that amount go out door as tax refunds,” Martin said. “$45 billion to spend.”

Expecting $45 billion, Republicans wonder how Democrats can budget at $50.6 billion.

“Because after we blow through the rainy day fund and the surplus, which will inevitably happen at this current path and after every reserve fund is used, there will still be a need,” House Republican Leader Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Fulton) said.

But needs are great, Democrats argue, and if the state doesn’t pick up the tab guess what happens?

“Forces increases in local property taxes,” Hughes said.

Both sides agree on the numbers, but disagree on how to interpret them. Still, maybe numbers present a path forward?

“Define the sweet spot between the 50.6 that was referenced and some number between 47 and 48,” Costa said. “Let’s get together and resolve it that way.”