Pennsylvania lawmakers are back at the state Capitol to work on finalizing the state budget, which is now more than a week overdue.Lawmakers hope to reach a budget deal soonGov. Josh Shapiro expressed optimism about the process, saying, “I’m headed back to the Capitol after this. I’m going to be there all weekend.” Rep. Dave Madsen, a Democrat from Harrisburg, said, “Obviously, a long impasse would be largely unacceptable to my constituents and other constituents at large across the Commonwealth.” Rep. Tom Kutz, a Republican from Mechanicsburg, added, “It sounds like we’re going to have a budget just 12 days late. And look, it’s not an excuse. We need to get to work and be done by June 30th every year.” Key issues still on the tablePublic school funding has been a key focus for House Democrats, particularly for historically underfunded districts. Meanwhile, Republicans have pushed for increased support for school choice and safeguarding the state’s rainy day fund. Small businesses, nonprofits, and social clubs, such as the Steelton American Legion Post, are advocating for the legalization of skill game machines. These machines were recently classified as slot machines by the Supreme Court, with the ruling set to take effect this fall, potentially jeopardizing their legality if lawmakers do not act. Lisa Iskric of American Legion Post 420 explained the significance of these machines, saying, “It is a little over 25% of our income. So that means that takes care of payroll. That helps with utility expenses and gives us the opportunity to be able to donate more to the community than we normally do.” Another issue lawmakers may address is the regulation of data centers, with potential discussions on restrictions or tax breaks. Senate lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol Friday night for committee meetings.
Pennsylvania lawmakers are back at the state Capitol to work on finalizing the state budget, which is now more than a week overdue.
Lawmakers hope to reach a budget deal soon
Gov. Josh Shapiro expressed optimism about the process, saying, “I’m headed back to the Capitol after this. I’m going to be there all weekend.”
Rep. Dave Madsen, a Democrat from Harrisburg, said, “Obviously, a long impasse would be largely unacceptable to my constituents and other constituents at large across the Commonwealth.”
Rep. Tom Kutz, a Republican from Mechanicsburg, added, “It sounds like we’re going to have a budget just 12 days late. And look, it’s not an excuse. We need to get to work and be done by June 30th every year.”
Key issues still on the table
Public school funding has been a key focus for House Democrats, particularly for historically underfunded districts. Meanwhile, Republicans have pushed for increased support for school choice and safeguarding the state’s rainy day fund.
Small businesses, nonprofits, and social clubs, such as the Steelton American Legion Post, are advocating for the legalization of skill game machines. These machines were recently classified as slot machines by the Supreme Court, with the ruling set to take effect this fall, potentially jeopardizing their legality if lawmakers do not act.
Lisa Iskric of American Legion Post 420 explained the significance of these machines, saying, “It is a little over 25% of our income. So that means that takes care of payroll. That helps with utility expenses and gives us the opportunity to be able to donate more to the community than we normally do.”
Another issue lawmakers may address is the regulation of data centers, with potential discussions on restrictions or tax breaks.
Senate lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol Friday night for committee meetings.