Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Says Lawmakers Near State Budget Deal Amid Two-Month Delay

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has repeatedly urged lawmakers to finalize the state budget, which is now over 50 days past the constitutionally mandated deadline. Despite his optimism that lawmakers are close to a deal, key issues including education spending, mass transit funding, marijuana legalization, and skill games remain unresolved amid political tensions. Shapiro has accused some Republicans, particularly in the Senate, of stalling the process for political gain, a move he says ultimately harms Pennsylvanians by delaying payments to schools and transit systems. While Shapiro emphasizes his commitment to remain constructive and find common ground between the Democratic-controlled House and Republican-controlled Senate, budget talks continue to be impeded by partisan disagreements. Republican leaders have endorsed State Treasurer Stacy Garrity as a gubernatorial candidate for 2026, signaling intensified political stakes in the budget impasse. Both sides acknowledge the need for compromise, but the sustainability of current spending levels remains a contentious issue in the negotiations.