HARRISBURG, Pa. – Pennsylvania’s budget stalemate has stretched past 100 days, and both parties say they’re frustrated.
State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-17) says schools and counties are starting to feel the squeeze.
“We are over 100 days past our constitutionally mandated date to have a budget done… and I am having meetings daily with school districts, counties about cuts that are being made, that will be made if this doesn’t end soon,” Cappelletti said.
Cappelletti said she remains hopeful leaders will act.
“I remain hopeful that they will come to their senses and do the duty that we were elected to do and pass a budget that, again, meets the needs of Pennsylvanians today,” she said.
Republicans say it’s not that simple, arguing spending is growing faster than revenue.
“What people need to realize is that we’re spending more than we’re bringing in. If you ran your personal budget like that, you’d be bankrupt pretty quick,” said Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24).
“I think, at the end of the day, the government has to tighten its belt before asking its citizens to raise more taxes,” Pennycuick said. “I just don’t think that’s appropriate.”
Both sides say they want to move forward, but for now counties, schools and service providers are waiting for relief.