State Budget Talks Could Resume This Weekend

HARRISBURG — State lawmakers could return to the Capitol this weekend as budget talks continue well past the June 30 deadline.  Pennsylvania Capital Star is reporting… The state senate has scheduled an Appropriations Committee meeting for Friday, while the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to meet Saturday night.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was asked about the budget impasse at a Big Boy train appearance on Thursday, “I think you are going to see a lot of activity in the capitol this weekend. I’ll be in the capitol today, i’m heading back there.  We’ve been working really hard to bring both sides together. I think you are going to see a result that benefits the good people of Pennsylvania real soon.” 

The full House is scheduled to return Sunday at noon. Lawmakers have not publicly said whether a final budget deal is ready.  The House approved Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $53.2 billion spending plan in April, but Republicans have criticized the proposal as too expensive. This is Pennsylvania’s fifth straight late state budget.