Democrats Delay, Pennsylvanians Pay the Price

October 10, 2025

Democrats in Pennsylvania control both the House of Representatives and the governor’s office. With that kind of authority comes the responsibility to lead. Yet here we are in October, more than 100 days past the budget deadline, and Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation without a budget.

Democratic leadership in the House says, “there is no excuse for letting our schools, senior centers, violence prevention programs, small businesses, and neighbors go without essential resources.” (That line is taken directly from House Speaker Joanna McClinton’s Facebook page.) If that’s true, then why are they withholding funding from all of those organizations?

Before Wednesday, there was a clear path forward to immediately release the money. House Democrats could have advanced the budget bill approved by the Republican-controlled Senate—a plan that would have funded schools, senior centers, and other critical services without delay. Instead, they chose to pass their own $50.25 billion spending plan, negotiating only among themselves and preparing to raise taxes on Pennsylvania families. Their proposal spends at least $5 billion more than the state expects to collect in revenue.

While House Democrats waste time passing bills that have little chance of reaching the governor’s desk and leave organizations waiting for funding, State Treasurer Stacy Garrity is taking action. She announced bridge loans for county governments to help meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens during the ongoing budget impasse. I appreciate the treasurer for offering this responsible solution.

I’m ready to vote on a budget that is fiscally responsible, supports essential services, and strengthens our economy for the long term. The people of our Commonwealth should not have to wait any longer. 


Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepHeffley.com / Facebook.com/RepHeffley