Pennsylvania lawmakers marked 100 days without a state budget Wednesday, as negotiations between the Democrat-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate remain at a standstill.
The House amended the Senate’s previously passed stopgap budget by $2.7 billion, citing increased program costs, including Medicaid. House Appropriations Chair Rep. Jordan Harris (D–Philadelphia) said the Senate’s version mirrored last year’s plan and failed to meet rising financial demands for public services.
Senate Republicans argued that the state’s $7 billion emergency fund and $11 billion reserve cannot be used annually to balance the budget. They said raising taxes or finding new revenue sources—such as taxing skill games or legalizing recreational marijuana—has not gained enough support.
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R–Greensburg) said the House plan spends beyond available revenue and would lead to tax increases. “When you are spending that much more than what we are bringing in, you’re calling for a tax increase,” Ward said.
With a federal government shutdown also underway, the Senate passed a bill allowing the state treasurer to offer no-interest loans to counties, early education programs, and domestic violence centers facing funding shortages.
Rep. Seth Grove (R–York) said a six-month temporary budget would give lawmakers time to negotiate while keeping essential services running.
Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference Wednesday evening, stating his proposal includes lowering corporate taxes and using $11 billion in reserve funds while leaving the emergency savings account untouched. He urged the Senate to “get back to work and pass a budget.”
Senate Democrats announced support for the House plan, saying they would provide 23 votes, leaving the measure three short of passage without Republican support.
The House is not scheduled to reconvene until October 27, while the Senate remains on a 24-hour call.
