Pennsylvania Senate Passes $47.7B Budget Amid House-Democrat Rejection, Six-Week Impasse

Pennsylvania remains in a prolonged budget stalemate as House Democrats rejected Senate-passed budget and mass transit funding bills, leaving a six-week impasse unresolved. The Senate approved a $47.6 billion spending plan that essentially flat-funds most line items, including using funds from the Public Transportation Trust Fund for mass transit and infrastructure projects, a move House Democrats oppose, arguing these funds are earmarked for capital improvements. Transportation officials warned that diverting these funds could jeopardize numerous projects and lead to drastic mass transit service cuts, particularly from SEPTA. Senate Republicans emphasize fiscal responsibility and accuse Governor Josh Shapiro and House Democrats of unrealistic spending demands, with Senate leaders asserting their plan supports all counties without raising taxes. Democrats counter that the Senate's budget is insufficient and unsustainable, and no agreement has been reached, prolonging uncertainty for schools, nursing homes, and social services. Both sides remain entrenched, with lawmakers urging negotiation to resolve the impasse before critical funding deadlines pass.