EASTON, Pa. — Northampton County Council urged state legislators Thursday to adopt a state budget and end an impasse that threatens to bust budgets for counties, municipalities, school districts and nonprofits across the commonwealth.
Adopted by a 7-1 vote, the resolution condemns the legislature’s failure to adopt a budget, citing impacts to local governments, a risk of tax increases and the added strain of governing despite uncertainty.
“We are asking every County to please pass this that we show a unified front regarding the budget impasse, and the lack of action on the part of the entities in Harrisburg.”Northampton County Council President Lori Vargo Heffner
It criticizes legislators’ move to break for a summer recess and urges lawmakers to “not adjourn until a budget is in place.”
The nonbinding measure does not have the force of law and will not change county policy, but it gives the council a way to formally express its point of view.
Members of the County Commissioners’ Association of Pennsylvania, a trade group for county-level legislators, drafted the legislation last month.
Its members have moved to adopt the measure in county governments across the state to send a united message to Harrisburg.
“We are asking every County to please pass this that we show a unified front regarding the budget impasse, and the lack of action on the part of the entities in Harrisburg,” county council President and CCAP board member Lori Vargo Heffner said.
Prolonged stalemate ahead?
State lawmakers have blown past the June 30 budget deadline with little to show for their efforts.
The House, controlled by Democrats, passed a $50.6 billion budget June 14 that immediately was rejected as too expensive by the Senate, which is controlled by Republicans.
The Senate passed a $47.7 billion budget proposal on Aug. 12 that largely mirrors this year's budget. House Democrats have rejected it, as it doesn't include greater funding for education and public transit they want passed.
Several county council members said Thursday they have little hope that Northampton County’s resolution would make much difference in Harrisburg.Northampton County Council meeting
Without a budget in place, state money cannot flow to the school districts, county governments and nonprofits that provide key social services.
Those organizations must find other ways to pay their expenses and keep operating.
By law, counties must keep offering certain social services even without the state reimbursements they rely on to balance their budgets.
To make up the difference, some governments have dipped into emergency reserves or taken out short-term loans.
According to state guidance, the commonwealth’s contractors may not stop work because they are not being paid during the impasse.
Several county council members said Thursday they have little hope that Northampton County’s resolution would make much difference in Harrisburg.
Negotiators for the two state chambers and Gov. Josh Shapiro say the parties are making progress, but they've said that for much of the summer.
State Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Bucks/Lehigh, has advised constituents to prepare for a prolonged stalemate.
