Several members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from Westmoreland County met with the county’s board of commissioners to discuss ongoing concerns related to the state budget. The meeting comes as some county offices begin voluntary furloughs due to a lack of finalized funding.
The legislators stated that resolving the current budget impasse requires only one more vote in the House. They criticized House Democrat leadership for not calling a session to consider Senate Bill 160, which was recently passed by the House Appropriations Committee.
Senate Bill 160 would extend last year’s $47.6 billion budget plan into the current fiscal year. If approved by the full House without amendments, it would move on to Governor Josh Shapiro for his signature.
“We could pass last year’s budget, restore county services, and finish negations on new spending without forcing undue hardship on Commonwealth families,” the legislators said. “It’s been 13 days since a stop-gap budget passed through the House Appropriations Committee in a unanimous, bipartisan vote. It’s time for a floor vote.”
The lawmakers also sent a letter urging the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners to emphasize the potential benefits of Senate Bill 160 to House leaders and the County Commissioners’ Association.
A copy of their letter is available online.
Representative Eric Nelson represents the 57th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Media inquiries can be directed to Jordan Frei at 724.875.8450 or jfrei@pahousegop.com.
