BUCKS COUNTY − October 27, 2025 − One hundred and sixteen days after the June 30th budget deadline, Senator Santarsiero (D-10) hosted a press conference on Friday to call out Senate Republicans’ lack of leadership and failure to pass a responsible budget that appropriately funds critical needs across the Commonwealth.
“We demand Senate Republicans negotiate, and we demand a budget,” said Senator Santarsiero. “One hundred and sixteen days is far too long. There is no excuse left. It is time to get to work.”
Senator Santarsiero was joined by Representatives Jim Prokopiak, Tina Davis, Tim Brennan and Brian Munroe, Morrisville School District Superintendent Dr. Andrew Doster and Board President Damon Miller, and Bucks County Commissioners Bob Harvie and Diane Ellis-Marseglia, each echoing the critical need for a state budget that appropriately meets the funding needs and obligations of the Commonwealth.
“The flat funded budget proposed by the Senate Republicans does not take into account the $2.2 billion in additional expenses to comply with a court order requiring $500 million for public education funding and $1.7 billion for the federally required rules for Medical Assistance and other health programs,” continued Santarsiero. “How can we possibly pass a flat funded budget and meet those obligations without making dramatic cuts to existing budget lines?”
Senator Santarsiero noted now, unlike during previous budget impasses, the Commonwealth is currently sitting on a $10 billion surplus from the Rainy-Day Fund and surplus revenue, that could cover the additional funding in the budget without raising taxes on Pennsylvanians.
The full press conference can be viewed here.
The Senate returns to session today.
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