PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — On the 113th day of Pennsylvania’s budget impasse, the Republican-controlled state Senate sent a spending plan to the House that they called “fiscally responsible,” but Democrats said it is “a waste of time” and “a joke.”
The latest plan is similar to the proposal the Senate passed in August, which carried last year’s spending levels over to this year, but it adds about $300 million for debt service and pension obligations.
The $47.9 billion plan passed on party lines on Tuesday, with all Senate Republicans in favor and all Democrats opposed. The lengthy debate, at times heated and passionate, often resorted to partisan bickering and finger-pointing.
“It’s a joke,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro. “It doesn’t actually meet the obligations of this commonwealth. It’s a gimmick and it’s not designed to be serious or get the job done.”
Senate Republican leader Joe Pittman blames Democrats for what he called the “Shapiro shutdown.”
“I’m sorry you don’t like our solutions, but if you want to sit down and have an honest conversation about how to get this budget done, a governor gallivanting across the state, taking pot shots at members of this caucus doesn’t help,” he said.
Bucks County-based Democrat Steve Santarsiero volleyed the blame back to Republicans, saying House Democrats have passed two plans that each lowered spending that the governor had proposed, in an effort to find common ground, while Senate Republicans are essentially rolling over last year’s budget.
“The responsibility lies on the other side of the aisle, and this proposal today doesn’t solve a thing,” said Santarsiero. “All it does is further prolong this impasse.”
State Senate Appropriations chairman Scott Martin, a Republican, argued the proposal that passed the House is irresponsible, as it would burn through Pennsylvania’s surplus while committing the state to future payments after that fund runs dry.
“When you’re left with a $6 billion to $8 billion budget hole in the second year and you have no money in reserves, what are your options?” asked Martin. “Massive program cuts or, by our calculation, close to a $2,000 per household tax increase for Pennsylvanians.”
Senate Republicans said their plan gets money out immediately to counties and school districts with responsible spending. Democrats said using last year’s budget doesn’t cover basic obligations, and they accused Senate Republicans of being unable to get enough votes for anything other than flat funding.