Categories: Pennsylvania News

Pennsylvania lawmakers return to Capitol with no budget deal, plenty of blame

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Despite the unseasonably warm temperature Monday, Pennsylvania lawmakers seemed to confirm it’s still finger-pointing season in Harrisburg.

They were supposed to have a state budget finished by June 30. What’s the hold up?

“Our Senate Republican colleagues continue to move the goalposts when a deal seems to be within reach,” said Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), the minority floor leader.

Others find blame elsewhere. “Well, the governor and House Democrats need to get their act together, first of all,” said Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Jefferson/Westmoreland), the majority floor leader.

Have they at least agreed on how much to spend?

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“I’m not at liberty to share that with you right now,” Costa said.

Beyond numbers, Pittman said Republicans want policy changes on energy, school choice and Medicaid reforms. He said it seems Democrats “have taken their ball and walked home.”

Meanwhile, Democrats insist real pain is really close for constituents. Sen. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) said an unnamed school superintendent called with a warning: “If you do not pass a budget by Dec. 1, we’re going to close our doors. We’re going to lay off our teachers.”

Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who received backing from the Pennsylvania Republican Party in her bid for governor, has loaned money to keep Head Start programs afloat, and the Senate wants her to similarly help cash-strapped schools and counties. Democrats are balking, calling it politics at its worst.

“There’s one problem, ladies and gentlemen,” Costa said. “As much as the gubernatorial nominee would like this be the hero in this particular instance, she does not, does not have the authority to loan money during a budget impasse.”

Pittman shrugged at Costa’s suggestion: “Well, they can take her to court then.”

But aren’t Republicans playing politics to boost Garrity’s run for governor?

“Well,” Pittman added, “we all know our current governor never does anything for political reasons.”

This is the first time in a long time the House and Senate are in the Capitol at the same time. Close proximity does not appear to mean they are close to a budget deal.

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