Pennsylvania Treasury Distributes $21M Bridge Loans Amid Nearly Four-Month Budget Stalemate

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that 24 additional organizations serving the state’s most vulnerable populations have received approximately $8.7 million through the Budget Bridge Loan Program, which was created to mitigate the impact of the nearly four-month state budget impasse. Since the program's launch in September, over $21 million has been distributed to 48 organizations, including Head Start local agencies, Pre-K Counts providers, and a rape crisis center. Initially targeted at Head Start agencies and county governments, the program has expanded to support organizations providing services for rape survivors, domestic violence prevention, and early childhood education. The loans are intended for immediate operating expenses and must be repaid within ten business days of receiving state funds. Treasury has begun publishing a weekly updated list of loan recipients to maintain transparency. Leaders emphasize that vulnerable Pennsylvanians should not suffer due to the budget stalemate, and the Treasury remains committed to facilitating timely fund delivery to keep essential services operational.