​

READING, Pa. – At a press conference Tuesday, Gov. Josh Shapiro didn’t hold back his frustration with Pennsylvania’s stalled budget.

“It has been 238 days since I introduced my budget,” Shapiro said. “The state Senate, they’ve come to work less than 30 times…I’m frustrated.”

He added that while the budget is nearly complete, it won’t move forward until the state Senate returns to Harrisburg and takes a vote.

“I can propose the budget. I can’t vote on it,” Shapiro said. “The legislature has to show up for work, do their job, treat the citizens they represent with respect enough to actually show up for work.”

In Berks County, nonprofits like Easy Does It are already feeling the pressure. The organization helps people facing addiction and homelessness, and relies on state dollars routed through the Council on Chemical Abuse.

That funding has been partially delayed due to the budget impasse.

“It’s just time to do your job, whether you’re on one side or the other. The need for compromise and negotiation is ever-present,” said Scott Althouse, executive director of Easy Does It.
”Right now, when there’s no funding, the services can come to a halt. And if the spigot gets turned off, so too will the services.”

If lawmakers don’t act soon, and if a federal government shutdown also takes effect, nonprofits like EDI could be forced to cut critical programs.

“That’s the other one-third or 40% of our budget,” Althouse explained. “If we get double-tapped with the state and federal budget impasses, we’re going to be in a world of hurt. And we’re not the only ones.”

From Harrisburg, state lawmakers say they’re working toward a solution—though blame continues across the aisle.

Democratic Rep. Manny Guzman, who serves on the Appropriations Committee, said:

“Families in Reading and across Pennsylvania are frustrated…and so am I. I’m fighting every day to fund essential services that people depend on.”

Republican Rep. Eric Weaknecht responded:
”We’ve already sent over a bill to fund schools and municipalities. It’s time for the House to act.”

In the meantime, Republican Rep. Jill Cooper has proposed a bill that would suspend lawmaker pay during budget delays to increase urgency and accountability.

“We desperately need the state to come through with the budget prior to the end of the year,” Althouse added. “Maybe the holidays will generate some gratitude and conversation where we can get something done.”