Governor Josh Shapiro has frequently blamed Senate Republicans for not passing a budget, but Republicans counter that Shapiro and Democrats want to spend more than Pennsylvania will take in next year.

State Senator and state Republican Party Chair Greg Rothman joined This Week in Pennsylvania to discuss the ongoing budget delay. Rothman says Shapiro is not blameless for the budget standoff.

“A leader would have House Democrats and Senate Republicans in a room and wouldn’t let them leave until a budget was done,” said Rothman. “That’s what leadership is and instead Josh Shapiro wants the Senate Republicans and House Democrats to keep fighting so whatever happens he can take credit for. But, yet at the same time won’t take credit for the fact that we don’t have no budget.”

Rothman also discusses the party’s decision to endorse Treasurer Stacy Garrity (R) for Governor and the state Supreme Court retention vote this fall.

Also joining the show this week are Senate Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and State Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester), who are co-chairs of the bipartisan “Competitive Caucus.” The group focuses on economic development legislation that can cleanly pass a divided legislature and be signed by the governor, such as permitting reform.

John and Laura Arnold of Arnold Ventures also join the show to talk about their work on permitting reform to increase prosperity and improve resident’s quality of life.

Arnold Ventures focuses on philanthropy that is “dedicated to improving the lives of all Americans through evidence-based policy solutions that maximize opportunity and minimize injustice.”