As the Pennsylvania budget deadlock continues into its fourth month, the potential damage caused by a delay in enacting a budget increases. Many Pennsylvanian institutions and organizations suffer the longer a deal is not reached, including nonprofits, social services, public schools and other education programs, health departments, and so on. Counties, even those with cash reserves, strongly feel the negative effects of a budget impasse, with essential programs running the risk of incurring debt and taxpayers taking on additional financial burdens. Delayed budget agreements have become an annual feature in Pennsylvania- with 13 of the past 20 budgets running late.
 
In response, I am introducing a constitutional amendment that would require the General Assembly to be in session each weekday, other than state holidays, whenever a general appropriation bill has not been enacted by July 31. This would allow for continuous, uninterrupted collaboration between House and Senate members, and the Governor. With unimpeded communication and debate, the General Assembly would have the opportunity to work towards an agreement with minimal delay.
 
As lawmakers, we are responsible for addressing the needs of our constituents and supporting the health of the Commonwealth. A timely and well-formulated general appropriation bill is an essential part of meeting these obligations. By allowing Pennsylvanians to vote to amend our constitution to incentivize timely budget agreements, we can better represent the constituents we were elected to serve and reassure the public that we are committed to their success.
 
I hope you will join me in supporting this effort to reform the current process and avoid potential future budget stalemates.