The Northeast Republican Delegation of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has issued a statement addressing the ongoing state budget impasse. The group criticized what it described as political gridlock in Harrisburg, which they say is delaying essential services and programs funded by taxpayers.
According to the delegation, “The people of the Commonwealth deserve the services and programs they pay their hard-earned tax dollars for. This year’s budget was due on June 30, yet families, seniors and communities across Pennsylvania are now being held hostage by unnecessary gridlock in Harrisburg.”
The statement highlights that the Pennsylvania Senate put forward a budget proposal characterized as common-sense and maintaining current spending levels. The delegation said this proposal could have enabled funding to continue but was blocked by House Democrats. “The Pennsylvania Senate advanced a common-sense, level-spending budget that represented a responsible starting point and would have allowed money to flow as it should. Unfortunately, that measure was blocked by House Democrats. Their harmful actions denied both sides a fair opportunity to work toward an agreement.”
The group also noted that various community groups and service providers are negatively affected by the lack of a finalized budget. “Our counties, seniors, at-risk constituents, human services providers, nonprofit organizations, etc., are the unfair victims in this democrat-spawned stalemate. Taxpayers expect their elected representatives to be the ‘adult in the room.’ Instead, we are experiencing political games by the party with a mere one seat majority in the House. Pennsylvanians deserve better.”
The delegation concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to reaching an agreement: “We will continue fighting for a fair, balanced and responsible budget that meets the needs of our citizens while respecting the taxpayers who fund it.”
Members of the Northeast Regional Delegation include Jonathan Fritz (Susquehanna/Wayne), Jamie Flick (Lycoming/Union), Joe Hamm (Lycoming/Sullivan), Robert Leadbeter (Columbia), Jeff Olsommer (Wayne/Pike), Clint Owlett (Tioga/Bradford), Tina Pickett (Wyoming/Bradford), Brenda Pugh (Luzerne), Jack Rader (Monroe), David Rowe (Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), Alec Ryncavage (Luzerne) and Dane Watro (Luzerne/Schuylkill).
