Geography at play as Pennsylvania budget stalemate continues

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — The Pennsylvania budget is still not done as negotiations, we’re told, continue.

It appears House Democrats want to spend more. Senate Republicans want less.

But, the struggle to find agreement may not be just philosophical.

“It requires both sides to compromise and be practical,” Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) said of the budget impasse.

But, the negotiators on both sides are from opposite sides of the state, perhaps a factor in the 70+ day delay.

“Geography plays an important role in this building,” Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre) said of the Capitol. “We would be insincere to say it doesn’t.”

Benninghoff, a former majority leader, used to be at the bargaining table.

“If you have a majority of people are also a majority of one demographic area, that puts them in the driver’s seat and it has made things more difficult,” Benninghoff said.

Pennsylvania has that. The top Democrats are Shapiro of Montgomery County, Speaker Joanna McClinton of Philadelphia County, Leader Matt Bradford of Montgomery County, and Appropriations Chairman Jordan Harris of Philadelphia County.

Senate Republicans are led by President Pro Tempore Kim Ward of Westmoreland County, Leader Joe Pittman of Indiana County, and Appropriations Chairman Scott Martin of Lancaster County.

As the song goes, changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes.

Some of these issues, to your point, are regional in nature. They’re not Republican or Democrat. Look at the vote on SEPTA,” Senator Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) said. “For me, my constituents were more interested in three and four digit roads. Most people couldn’t even think of hopping on a bus to go to work or to shop or utilize it. So there are some regional aspects to it.”

“There’s no question geography of the membership and leadership members has played a role,” Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny).

He has a seat at the negotiating table and has for years. Being from Pittsburgh, he brings his yinzer worldview but knows that it’s not the only view.

“I think you have to recognize where the parties and what they’re fighting for and why they’re fighting for it and recognize the geography that’s part of those things,” Costa said.

“We’ve always had the wrestling match between rural and urban and it’s not in a negative, derogatory manner,” Benninghoff said. “It’s just a reality.”

But, we haven’t always had entire caucus leadership teams entirely from the same region. But, we’ve had budget stalemates.

“I think we’ll get there. We always do,” Baker said.