While divided control of state government can provide an important check and balance on general decision making, the opposite has frequently proved true in producing on-time state budgets.  Over the past 20 years, the situation has worsened.  More than half the budgets during this period were concluded after the June 30 deadline.  As we know, the last two budgets failed to meet the requirement. 

Fortunately, we’ve been able to avoid any significant effects when budget completion is delayed for only a handful of days.  However, our experience when final passage is more than 100, 150, or even 175 days late is quite different.  A temporary inconvenience escalates with dire consequences particularly for those that need government services the most; our school children, seniors, and vulnerable populations that depend on critical social services.  

While we all can agree that support and services for these populations should never be jeopardized, it is incumbent upon all parties to do better.  In that light, I will be reintroducing two measures that provide sensible reassurances that state dollars will continue for important needs during any budget impasse.  

The first bill would amend the Constitution to require the Commonwealth to maintain state appropriations at 80 percent of the prior year level if a general fund budget is not enacted by the constitutional deadline of June 30 of any year.

The second bill would amend the Administrative Code to provide timelines for consideration of the general appropriation bill.  These benchmarks include a date for introduction following a Governor’s budget address, a date for each chamber to pass a balanced budget bill, and a deadline for the two chambers to either agree on the same balanced budget or a requirement for the other chamber to vote on the balanced general appropriations bill that passed the other chamber. 

We all understand the challenges and difficulties involved in advancing individual agendas when government is divided.  But, when we have a budget impasse, we should all agree on an agenda that supports Pennsylvania and its most vulnerable citizens, so their needs are not threatened by the politics of the moment.  Please consider joining me in supporting these commonsense solutions.  Thank you.