Dear Neighbor,
It is now the beginning of August, meaning our state budget is officially one month late, leaving Pennsylvanians, local governments, school districts, and communities across the commonwealth in a fiscal limbo. Despite repeated efforts and compromise proposals from House Democrats, Senate Republicans have continued to slow roll on solutions and have not been to work since July 17th. They are currently scheduled to return on September 8, but our communities can’t wait. Their continued inaction is not only delaying billions of dollars in critical funding for our communities and our most vulnerable neighbors, but it is also threatening the financial stability of the economic engines of the state (Southeastern PA, Lehigh Valley, and Pittsburgh) by refusing to fund our statewide transit systems.
While a budget impasse like this one would normally have been viewed as typical Harrisburg gridlock, we have seen in recent years just how devastating these delays can be for our local governments, school districts, and communities who rely on state funding to operate. Just this week, the Shapiro Administration sent a letter to statewide providers saying billions of dollars in aid to Pennsylvania’s schools and human services will be delayed, as the budget stalemate continues. This means state-supported universities, libraries, early-childhood education programs and county health departments will see delays in payments, specifically:
- Pennsylvania school districts will see delays in more than $2 billion in payments through August
- Universities and state-run systems schools will see delays on more than $200 million in aid
- Counties will see delays in payments of $390 million to child welfare agencies
- Other agencies, nonprofits, and programs will see delays in more than $100 million
Unfortunately, delays like these come at a cost, and it’s the local taxpayer who will be paying for it. In years past and again this year, we are seeing local school districts having to take out tax revenue anticipation notes and other loans just to make payroll and keep the lights on. Not only does this mean a potential tax increase to offset these additional costs, but school districts may not be able to hire additional educators as a result, leading to larger class sizes and potentially jeopardizing academic outcomes. We should not be asking local taxpayers and school districts to pay the cost of political inaction by Senate Republicans.
One of the most urgent unresolved issues is funding for Pennsylvania’s public transit systems. Governor Shapiro and House Democrats have proposed serious investments to support agencies like SEPTA here in Southeastern PA, LANTA in the Lehigh Valley, and the PRT in Pittsburgh, aiming to prevent devastating service cuts and fare hikes. In fact, if we do not act soon, SEPTA has already announced significant cuts to service—including cuts to the Thorndale/Paoli line and four other Regional Rail lines—major fare increases, workforce reductions, curfews for all Regional Rail services, and other measures, if SEPTA is unable to resolve a massive structural budget deficit.
Southeastern Pennsylvania is the economic engine of our state, generating more than $355 billion in annual output. The loss of SEPTA services would be devastating for the 25% of Southeastern PA residents who commute out-of-county, as well as for the businesses that rely on SEPTA to bring their employees to work. That’s why my colleagues and I in the House have voted FOUR times over the last two legislative sessions to ensure that SEPTA and other transit systems in Pennsylvania receive the funding they need to keep transit service and our local economies moving. But Senate Republicans have blocked every single one of these efforts and have offered no viable path forward – jeopardizing access to transportation for millions of Pennsylvanians.
Our communities cannot afford to be held hostage by political gridlock. The consequences of inaction are too great and are compounding with each day that passes. The burden is falling on local governments, school districts, and families who are doing everything they can to keep things running in the absence of responsible leadership from Senate Republicans.
The people of Pennsylvania deserve a government that works – not one that withholds our own tax dollars to our public schools or threatens the future of public transit. It’s time for Senate Republicans to come to the table, do their jobs, and pass a budget that reflects the values and needs of this Commonwealth.
Take Action: Tell Southeastern PA Senators to Get Back to Work
The state budget is now more than a month overdue — critical funding for schools, counties, and public transportation systems like SEPTA is being held up because Senate Republican leadership refuses to bring the Senate back into session and finish the job.
Enough is enough.
The House passed a transit plan that delivers for YOU and also invests in fixing roads and bridges across the commonwealth. The Senate left town. It’s time for them to get back and do their jobs. Tell them that’s what you want.
House Democrats are calling on Southeastern PA Republicans, Senator Frank Farry, Senator Joe Picozzi, and Senator Tracy Pennycuick to do the right thing: compel their leadership to reconvene the Senate immediately and pass a responsible, full-funded budget that protects our schools, supports vital human services, and ensures transit systems like SEPTA can continue to serve millions of Pennsylvanians.
These delays are not just political — they are personal. Families, educators, transit riders, and vulnerable residents are already feeling the impact.
Please contact these SEPA senators today and tell them:
Come back to Harrisburg. Pass the budget. Fund SEPTA.
Sen. Frank Farry: Call 215-638-1784 and email
Sen. Joe Picozzi: Call 215-281-2539 and email
Sen. Tracy Pennycuick: Call 215-541-2388 and email
Your voice can make a difference — but only if they hear it!