Letter to the editor: Irresponsible budget shenanigans

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives reconvened Monday, but the 2025-26 budget remains shamefully stalled, thanks to House Democrats’ refusal to act. This delay is wasting untold resources as counties, schools, pre-K centers, hospitals and libraries are dealing with funding shortfalls as critical state funding is held hostage by partisan inaction. A solution is one House vote away from reaching Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk, yet House Democrat leaders are dragging their feet.

In August, the Senate passed a sensible bill to extend last year’s funding levels for the 2025-26 budget year, which began on July 1, ensuring swift release of funds. House Democrats in the Appropriations Committee arrogantly voted it down unanimously. On Sept. 10, they reversed course and passed the bill in committee, but now, despite this reversal, Democrat leaders who control the House agenda are stalling a full House vote. Their inaction is inexcusable, and all Pennsylvanians are paying the price.

Shapiro’s reckless $51.5 billion budget proposal overshoots the Independent Fiscal Office’s $48.3 billion revenue projection by a staggering $3 billion, risking future tax hikes and/or forcing devastating cuts to county services. House Democrats’ insistence on this bloated budget is holding essential services hostage.

We all need to demand that they stop obstructing and pass last year’s $47.6 billion budget for 2025-26 — a responsible measure to fund vital services while curbing reckless spending. Pennsylvanians deserve better than this political gamesmanship by House Democrats and lack of responsible leadership by the governor.

Larry Schultz

Murrysville