PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — With the state budget more than two months overdue, Gov. Josh Shapiro said he will continue talks with legislative leaders Tuesday afternoon in hopes of reaching a deal that includes funding for mass transit.
Speaking with reporters after an education roundtable at Dobbins High School on Tuesday, Shapiro said the broad issues that Republican and Democratic leaders have disagreed on have been narrowed, and it's time for a compromise.
“It’s time for them to make some tough decisions and close this out. The issues have been narrowed. They’ve got to make tough decisions and get this done,” he said.
“I’m confident we’ll get there. But finding that common ground between the two leaders, between their two caucuses, is a challenge.”
There’s been word in recent weeks that Democrats would be open to using some of the Public Transportation Trust Fund as part of a mass transit funding package that could reverse SEPTA’s service cuts.
He said he’s continuing discussions with Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Democratic House Majority Leader Matt Bradford to find common ground.
“I’m confident we can get there, but these two leaders need to make some tough decisions. Part of the decisions they need to make are quieting some of the extreme voices within their own caucuses,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro was asked whether having no SEPTA express service for Thursday night’s Eagles opener adds urgency to the negotiations. He said there’s been urgency for months.