'No Excuse' For No State Budget: Bucks Co. State Senator

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — As the PA State Budget impasse continues, Bucks County Democratic lawmakers are sending a message to their GOP colleagues to make a deal.

State Sen. Steve Santarsiero held a press conference late last week with fellow Democrats, calling for an end to the impasse, which is nearing 120 days since the June 30 state budget deadline.

“We demand Senate Republicans negotiate, and we demand a budget,” Santarsiero said. “This is far too long. There is no excuse left. It is time to get to work.”

Senator Santarsiero was joined by State Representatives Jim Prokopiak, Tina Davis, Tim Brennan and Brian Munroe, Morrisville School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Doster and Board President Damon Miller, and Bucks County Commissioners Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis-Marseglia.

All called for a state budget that appropriately meets the funding needs and obligations of the Commonwealth.

“The flat-funded budget proposed by the Senate Republicans does not take into account the $2.2 billion in additional expenses to comply with a court order requiring $500 million for public education funding and $1.7 billion for the federally required rules for Medical Assistance and other health programs,” said Santarsiero. “How can we possibly pass a flat-funded budget and meet those obligations without making dramatic cuts to existing budget lines?”

Senator Santarsiero said unlike during previous budget impasses, the Commonwealth is currently sitting on a $10 billion surplus from the Rainy-Day Fund and surplus revenue, that could cover the additional funding in the budget without raising taxes on Pennsylvanians.

Bucks Co. GOP Lawmaker Issues Budget Statement

State Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-178), who represents the 178th House District in Bucks County including Warwick, Wrightstown and parts of Northampton Township, released the following statement on the continued Pennsylvania state budget impasse:

“Every day we delay, more Pennsylvanians lose access to the services and programs they need. It is time to end the gridlock and do the job taxpayers sent us here to do. We must pass a responsible budget that supports essential services and invests in our communities without increasing the tax burden on families.

“I am ready to finish the job, as are all House Republicans. Every single one of us has remained engaged and focused on getting a realistic, fiscally responsible budget across the finish line. That is why we supported the Senate’s proposal earlier this summer, which would fund key priorities while keeping spending within taxpayers' means.

“We have the ability to keep negotiating and keep our critical services funded. We can end the impasse right now instead of playing politics with Pennsylvania families. Gov. Shapiro and House Democratic leaders need to come back to the table and complete this work before the damage they caused becomes irreversible.”