Senate Republicans Cost Us Transit Funding. Now They’re Blocking Schools and Nonprofits.
After forcing SEPTA to use repair money to stay afloat, the Senate is still playing politics with Pennsylvania’s budget.
Rep. Tarik Khan October 22, 2025
As Submitted for publication to East Falls Now, Chestnut Hill Local and the Roxborough Review
Across Pennsylvania, schools, counties, and nonprofits are taking out loans just to stay afloat. Not because of mismanagement — but because the Republican-controlled Senate has refused to pass a budget.
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I’ve had a front-row seat to this obstruction. For more than 100 days, the Democratic-led House of Representatives has done our job. Three times, we’ve passed a bipartisan, balanced, no-tax-increase budget that meets Pennsylvania’s real needs while making sound investments in our future. Three times, Senate Republicans have refused to act.
While they stall, Pennsylvanians are paying the price. School districts are borrowing to pay teachers. Nonprofits are borrowing to meet payroll — and cutting programs that help families in crisis. Counties are warning of furloughs and service shutdowns.
As legislators, we have one fundamental job: to pass a budget each year. And right now, Senate Republicans are failing at that most basic task.
Our $50 billion plan reflects what most Pennsylvanians expect — responsible budgeting that keeps life affordable and communities strong. It protects our $10 billion in reserves, avoids new taxes, and invests wisely in our future. We made several cuts to address Senate concerns, even though Pennsylvania’s financial position is strong. We don’t need new taxes or loans — we just need the Senate to show up and govern.
A Budget That Puts People First
This budget supports some of the issues I’ve been helping to lead the fight for — strong public schools, quality Pre-K programs, vibrant libraries, and access to health care, housing, and healthy foods. It reflects our priorities as Democrats and as Pennsylvanians: investing in people, not politics.
- For students: Over half a billion dollars toward adequacy and tax equity, plus funding for special education, mental health, and safer schools.
- For parents: Expanded childcare support and tax credits so families can work knowing their kids are cared for.
- For communities: More investment in food security, libraries, and local services.
- For seniors: Greater support for home care, meal delivery, and dignity in aging.
Every one of these investments helps make life more affordable.
A teacher keeping her job.
A parent returning to work.
An older adult receiving a hot meal.
These aren’t partisan victories — they’re victories for our community.
The Politics of Delay
Let’s be honest about what’s really happening. Senate Republicans are holding this budget hostage not because of what’s in it — but because of politics. They’re using the budget process to try to weaken Governor Josh Shapiro and score political points for the next election. And they’re hurting Pennsylvania’s future.
They even held up the budget over transit funding, threatening vital transportation systems like SEPTA. When the courts stepped in and ordered SEPTA to divert capital funds — money meant for repairs and safety improvements — to cover operations, the Senate still didn’t act. Their obstruction didn’t just fail the governor; it failed every rider who depends on safe, affordable public transit to get to work, school, or medical appointments.
Now they’re floating another stunt — a six-month budget instead of a full-year plan. That’s not governing; it’s posturing. Temporary fixes don’t let schools plan or counties serve residents. These schemes are designed to create chaos, not stability — all to score points against a governor who’s working to solve problems.
The Senate’s obstruction isn’t fiscal responsibility — it’s political theater. And Pennsylvania families are the ones footing the bill.
It’s Time to Govern
Leadership isn’t about slogans or stunts. It’s about showing up, cooperating, and delivering results. The House Democrats have done the hard work of governing — passing three responsible, bipartisan budgets in 100 days.
Now it’s time for the Senate to do the same. Pennsylvanians deserve results, not excuses. While others play politics, I’ll keep doing my job — fighting for every child, every worker, and every community in this Commonwealth.
Because at the end of the day, you deserve a government that works as hard as you do.