No Movement, No Budget

Nearly 7 weeks into the new fiscal year and t here is still no budget for Pennsylvania and no progress was reported last week.
Aside from rumors of informal backroom negotiations between lawmakers,here was little to no movement in Pennsylvania’s budget impasse last week. The 6-member House-Senate Conference Committee hasn't met since the end of July.

Senate Majority Whip Jane Orie, an Allegheny County Republican, says the governor should have approved funding for the line items both parties agree on, and focus the debate on education spending, where she says the real differences are centered.

"And I think he knows the only way he gets his education or new taxes is by harming those most vulnerable. And I think it’s wrong. We all agree on those most core functions. Fund them."

As more nonprofits lay off staff and cut their services, observers predict pressure will mount for lawmakers to find a solution.
Political scientist Terry Madonna of Franklin and Marshall College says the top motivator will be the potential political fallout of the continuing impasse.

"Reelection of incumbent lawmakers. Number two, the dropping approval rating of the legislature. Number three, the embarrassment, with the stories that are coming out about how incompetent—now it’s a question of incompetence, it’s a question of leadership. I mean, all these things get thrown into the mix

Pennsylvania, Arizona and Connecticut are the only remaining states without a budget in place.