More than 100 days into Pennsylvania’s budget impasse, the state’s Republican-controlled Senate on Tuesday passed a $47.9 billion spending plan — but with Democrats in the House already opposing it, the political deadlock shows no sign of ending soon.
The proposal, approved 27–23 along party lines, increases overall spending by roughly $300 million compared to last year’s plan. It includes modest boosts to the Commonwealth’s debt service and the state’s public school employee pension system while cutting legislative funding by 5 percent. Senate Republicans characterized the measure as a responsible, restrained budget that avoids depleting the state’s financial reserves.
Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman of Indiana County said the bill fulfills essential obligations while holding the line on broader spending increases. GOP leaders argue the plan ensures stability and could move to the governor’s desk immediately if approved by the House.
But Democratic leaders in the House have rejected the measure, calling it unrealistic and inadequate. They maintain that the Republican proposal fails to account for real costs of state operations and public needs. House Democrats previously passed a $50.25 billion plan that Senate Republicans refused to consider, leaving both chambers entrenched in disagreement.
House Democratic Caucus spokeswoman Beth Rementer dismissed the Senate’s bill as a recycled version of last year’s budget and criticized Republicans for not engaging in meaningful negotiations.
Governor Josh Shapiro, who earlier this year proposed a $51.5 billion budget focused on education, mental health, and infrastructure, also dismissed the Senate’s plan. Speaking Tuesday in Allegheny County, Shapiro labeled the measure “a gimmick,” saying it does not meet the state’s fiscal responsibilities or reflect Pennsylvanians’ priorities.
Source: WGAL