Pennsylvania has the distinction of being the only state in the union without a budget. While state legislators still collect their salaries, counties and school districts are beginning to feel the crunch. As if that were not bad enough, the federal government has shut down as of midnight today.
Republicans blame Democrats. Democrats blame Republicans. While it's certain that both parties are to blame, this finger-pointing does nothing to answer the question how or whether vital human services should continue, and for how long.
As I've already told you, NorCo Exec Lamont McClure will furlough human services workers as an "option of last resort." This is really an option of first resort because he refuses to borrow or spend down the rainy-day fund. Given the large number of elected officials who disagree with him, he will hopefully relent.
Lehigh County will borrow.
According to Capital Star, Westmoreland County has also announced furloughs. Northampton and Chester have stopped paying vendors. Other counties have dipped into savings, but that is unsustainable long-term.
Given this gridlock, it is little wonder that 8 of 10 Americans believe the US is in a political crisis. According to a poll by Quinnipiac U, 53% of Americans believe democracy is no longer working (74% among Dems, but only 22% among Republicans).
Bernie, Looks like our local State Reps called out Lamont on the state budget. Is it the Senate Republicans or House Democrats holding up the budget?? See below. Disappointed in Lamont if he is lying, just trying to smear R's.
ReplyDeletehttps://repannflood.com/Display/SiteFiles/431/Documents/2025/FloodMakoMackenzieLettertoCountyExecutive.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawNH27NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmEKI3Tdby_q0xRhH2o-p59cT_DqB87Jy1_VuavxK4AoUAfVTHE3c9ur93UN_aem_E594-LRQ3Fg_wHLzTiyt4Q
At first glance at your link, I had thought that the Repann Flood was a natural disaster that that I had never heard of.
DeleteWhat? Me worry?
ReplyDeleteThe poll proves that Republicans are more positive and happier than Democrats.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, the democrats are the wrong side of an issue, They want what caused them the election they want our tax money going to illegals and they want to double down on the failure Obama bill. Democrats led by Schumer who is afraid of AOC will let the democratic party become a totally radical left-wing party.
ReplyDeleteOur political system does not work because this system breeds politicians who do not care about the people they represent. This is true on all levels of Government and will not change until and if we change the system. Term limits and getting money out of politics would be a start but the politicians in charge will never do it.
ReplyDeleteYou said "his system breeds politicians who do not care about the people they represent"
DeleteGee, who elects them to office? Those are the folks not doing their job.
Our system if government is just fine. Our Constitution is a magnificent document that works, provided everyone conducts themselves within its prescribed parameters.
ReplyDeleteOver the years, unfortunately, the morals and ethics of our Members of Congress, Judicial System, Justice Department, and other Departments have become corrupted. In large measure, our government operatives' first priority is NOT serving average, everyday citizens.
Today's political class lusts for power, privilege, and personal financial gain. All made possible by a gross misuse and disrespect of taxpayer dollars.
Today's political class has metastasized into a new Fourth Branch of Government, that has galvanized into its own culture of corruption that enjoins both political parties into ONE protected enterprise in a shared goal of remaining in office, no matter how we 'little people' might be hurt.
Fixing this will require a near total replacement of people who now sit in office. This will take years to achieve, but it MUST be done through the Election Process, and not with violence.
My advice is to vote out as many Incumbents possible. Absolutely no one in office completing their second term will get my vote. WE NEED DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN OFFICE! A steady stream of replacements to ensure the rot doesn't spread.
Republicans and Democrats in Congress now operate as one criminal enterprise. Break it up!
You are in a dream world Pal
DeleteI have a bridge do you want to buy
DeleteRe: human services furlough: When money isn't coming in, the tactic by local government like county or schools or a city is to cut the personnel or programs that make the most number of people in the public angry or can tilt the press into some dramatic headline, not the personnel or programs that are least necessary or make the most sense financially or operationally to put on a pause.
ReplyDeleteIf you have no money, how can you pay people, it's not a tactic, it's common sense. But I digress, when the Orange Leader says he is going to furlough everyone, you cheer at his wisdom.
DeleteGridlock is a good thing. I'm quite comfortable with all of it. They'll eventually agree on a solution that harms taxpayers and gives away more money we don't really have. In the meantime, I'll enjoy the wailing and gnashing of teeth. Boo frickin' hoo.
ReplyDeleteWhile many refuse to see the reality of the danger of "Democratic Socialism" the idea to vote your pocketbook, or I should say your neighbors. is coming to an end. The federal government is way beyond "Broke" but hopelessly in debt and it is increasing by the day. The debt on the state federal local and school district level and individually is at an all time high. Much pain is inevitable, due to the fiscal irresponsibility of the last 50 years. The first step in rehab is admitting the problem, maybe we are reaching that point?
ReplyDeleteEh... Ray. Very easy to solve. Just tax the rich. We are wealthiest nation in the history of humankind. Deficit and debt go byebye.
DeleteDemocracy IS working. This is the government people voted for.
ReplyDeleteWe no longer are experiencing Democracy. The perversions of truth and hidden actions by these corrupt administrative wealthy fascists are clouding up our vision of freedom and surgically stripping our freedoms and life as we know it away.
DeleteEyes open, it’s happening in front of us.
Wow! Take some meds Kelly it will be ok lol.
DeleteConcern about “democracy” was a big fat failure as a Harris campaign strategy. Do five minutes of research BOH and wake up and smell the coffee.
ReplyDeleteThis time there are no excuses or reasons valid enough nor are they able to say they had no time. Elections are coming and they all should pay a price for not doing their job…….maybe attaching fines to number of days beyond budget deadlines would move them.
ReplyDeleteQuinnipac had the election at a tie and Trump crushed her . So I will ignore you referencing their poll. Might want to check the link of who was way off like Reuters, Marist, Morning Consult before using them in the future. Lastly, Why not mention 3 Democrats voted with republicans to keep the government open? That puts blame clearly on Schumer. And no mention of how dems want to give billions to illegals for health care and refund NPR.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.realclearpolling.com/polls/president/general/2024/trump-vs-harris
How does anyone find truth these days? We live during a time where EVERYONE lies, especially about anything to do with politics. Some of our biggest liars are found in the news media, including right here in the Lehigh Valley.
DeleteMust be because of all of the "Beardos"!
ReplyDeleteI was talking to some folks and family members yesterday. None of them even knew state government was shutdown lol.
ReplyDeleteI agree …people are not watching or listening…too busy surviving
DeleteFurlough the controller! Zrinksi's out there at carpenter's shops and photo ops at farms and rallies in Phila. during the workday; {ab}using her the office as a front for a campaign. 'nuff!
ReplyDelete@2:12
DeleteTZ does what TZ does.
How did the pro-Keegan Rally at Easton School Board meeting go? Heard it was crazy.
ReplyDeleteThe federal government shut down for 17 days during the Obama horror. PA had a nine-month budget impasse during the Wolf debacle. This occurred prior to Wolf being named Man of the Year by the Ohio Restaurant Association for his authoritarian actions that punished PA citizens during CoViD.
ReplyDeleteOur system of government does not work if yopu think it does your crazy look at the results.
ReplyDeleteI love how MAGA cheers stripping away their own healthcare, all while calling Democrats stupid—when in reality it’s Democrats who are fighting to protect it…
ReplyDeleteThese troglodytes never cease to amaze me…
The rich have MAGA frothing mad at the wrong enemy. Pretty funny, as the rich drive red America mercilessly into the dirt.
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