1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The ongoing budget impasse in Pennsylvania has reached a critical point, and I am writing to urge you to take immediate action to pass the state budget. For four months, our state has operated without a finalized spending plan, preventing billions of dollars from being allocated to fund essential services that our communities rely on. I was encouraged to learn that Governor Josh Shapiro and leaders from all four legislative caucuses recently met in person for the first time since June 30. This meeting suggests a willingness to find common ground, which is crucial given that a deal may require votes from minority parties in both chambers. The stakes are high, with proposed budgets ranging from $47.9 billion to $50.3 billion. Key issues at the heart of this impasse include education funding, energy policy, and overall spending levels. While I understand the complexity of these matters, the longer we delay, the more our state suffers. Our state brought in $46.4 billion last fiscal year, demonstrating our economic potential. However, the current situation underscores the need for long-term financial stability. This may require exploring new revenue sources or implementing cost reductions in a thoughtful, balanced manner. I urge you to prioritize the needs of your constituents and the overall welfare of Pennsylvania. This means finding a compromise on critical issues such as funding for poor school districts, addressing cyber charter school payments, and carefully considering our state's approach to initiatives like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The people of Pennsylvania deserve a government that functions efficiently and responsibly. Every day without a budget is a day that vital services and programs go unfunded. Please work diligently with your colleagues across the aisle to reach a fair and sustainable budget agreement as soon as possible. The stability and prosperity of our state depend on your swift action.