The Northeast Republican Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has released a statement addressing the ongoing state budget impasse. The group criticized what they described as unnecessary gridlock in Harrisburg, emphasizing that the delay is affecting families, seniors, and communities across Pennsylvania.
“The people of the Commonwealth deserve the services and programs they pay their hard-earned tax dollars for. This year’s budget was due on June 30, yet families, seniors and communities across Pennsylvania are now being held hostage by unnecessary gridlock in Harrisburg,” the delegation stated.
According to the group, the Pennsylvania Senate had advanced a “common-sense, level-spending budget” that would have allowed funds to be distributed as planned. They claimed this proposal was blocked by House Democrats. “The Pennsylvania Senate advanced a common-sense, level-spending budget that represented a responsible starting point and would have allowed money to flow as it should. Unfortunately, that measure was blocked by House Democrats. Their harmful actions denied both sides a fair opportunity to work toward an agreement.”
The delegation also expressed concern about how the stalemate is impacting various groups throughout the state. “Our counties, seniors, at-risk constituents, human services providers, nonprofit organizations, etc., are the unfair victims in this democrat-spawned stalemate. Taxpayers expect their elected representatives to be the ‘adult in the room.’ Instead, we are experiencing political games by the party with a mere one seat majority in the House. Pennsylvanians deserve better.”
They concluded their statement with a commitment to continue efforts toward reaching an agreement on state spending: “We will continue fighting for a fair, balanced and responsible budget that meets the needs of our citizens while respecting the taxpayers who fund it.”
Members of this delegation include Jonathan Fritz (Chair), Jamie Flick, Joe Hamm, Robert Leadbeter, Jeff Olsommer, Clint Owlett, Tina Pickett, Brenda Pugh, Jack Rader (Monroe), David Rowe, Alec Ryncavage and Dane Watro.
