Observers hope election will turn up heat on budget process

(The Center Square) – Pennsylvania counties last year lost millions of dollars and domestic violence programs in the state laid off workers, some of whom never returned to those jobs, as a result of state leaders missing the budget deadline by 135 days.

This year, the June 30 deadline for a new, 2026-27 budget was 15 days away on Monday. Few specifics have been mentioned publicly about any closed-door negotiations between Republicans and Democrats.

Those who got burned last year said they hoped the fact that many lawmakers and the governor are up for reelection in 2026 will grease the skids toward an agreement.

“No one wants to have a repeat of 2025, particularly in an election year,” said Kyle Kopko, executive director of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania.

Lawmakers and the administration of Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro blew through the June 30 deadline last year, even though there were optimistic statements made near the end of June. The $50.1 billion budget bill wa...