Pennsylvania lawmakers raise thousands for themselves during budget impasse

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — No state budget means no money for schools and counties, but campaign cash is flowing in Harrisburg. There were 38 fundraisers in the city on just the first three days of this week.

A 7:30 a.m. breakfast in support of State Rep. Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) kicked off a day full of fundraisers. A lunch at Stocks for State Rep. Dan Frankel (D-Alleghany) recommended a $1,000 to $10,000 contribution.

“It’s, you know, raising money is a fact of life in this business,” Frankel said. “And when I figure out how I schedule my year, I plan these things months in advance.”

He couldn’t have known then there’d be a budget impasse now. Neither could Senate GOP Leader Joe Pittman, who had the last of 18 fundraisers on Tuesday seeking $1,000 to $10,000 this week.

“I’ve got one Wednesday,” said State Sen. Greg Rothman (R), who also chairs the Pennsylvania Republican Party. “There’s still room. There’s still room.”

His event is $500 to $25,000, and a who’s who of Republican powerbrokers will attend.

Rothman admits the optics aren’t great with no budget — lawmakers should’ve had one completed on June 30, more than 100 days ago.

A number of lobbyists told abc27 News’ Dennis Owens they’re frustrated with writing checks to lots of lawmakers and not getting any results. Of course, they wouldn’t say that on camera.

State Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) is not seeking reelection. He suggested lobbyists should respectfully decline fundraising invitations if there’s not a budget.

“Maybe the lesson there is maybe don’t show until it’s done,” Grove said. “Squeeze a little.”

Government watchdogs squeeze a whole lot.

“So, the legislature is getting paid for not doing their job, and while they’re not doing their job, they’re holding fundraisers from themselves,” said Eric Epstein of Rock the Capital, a non-partisan watchdog organization. “Could you be any more disconnected from reality?”

It’s a necessary evil, Frankel argued. He’s been in office 27 years. His first race cost $50,000 but without campaign finance reform, which he supports, things have gotten out of hand.

“Today, you’re talking about multiple millions of dollars and the amounts of money that people used to spend to run for the United States Senate statewide,” Frankel said.