Will Governor Josh Shapiro convince the state senate to spend $292 million for mass transit funding throughout the state? Why is the state senate so reluctant to impose a 52% tax on supposed skill games? Could it be because manufacturer Pace-O-Matic has spent $618,000 in campaign contributions and another $440,000 in lobbying expenses in 2024 alone? What about the state's constitutional obligation to provide all children, even poor children, with a "thorough and efficient" education system? Finally, what impact will cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, if passed by US Congress, have on Pennsylvania? These questions are currently unanswered. Until they are, Pa lawmakers are unable to pass a budget.
While state legislators continue to collect salaries and per diems, school districts and counties will see the cash faucets go dry in about two weeks. They will be forced to rely on their own reserves or borrow money.
