As of today, September 18, RCPA is reporting to members that the budget impasse unfortunately remains unchanged after 80 days. As this week comes to a close, it does not appear there will be action to move the budget process forward.

The Senate currently remains on 24-hour call, with their next scheduled session days October 20 – 22. The House has their first scheduled Fall session set for September 29 – October 1.

Every day that passes without a budget is another day of uncertainty for:

• People with disabilities, who rely on base-funded supports to live, work, and thrive in their communities;
• Individuals and families in recovery, whose access to care depends on consistent funding and provider stability;
• Children and adults facing mental health challenges, who can’t wait weeks — or months — for the services they need today;
• Human service professionals, who are burning out, underpaid, and leaving the field in record numbers;
• County governments, who administer core safety net services and are already preparing to withhold payments due to the impasse; and
• Nonprofit organizations and service providers, who operate on tight margins, front the cost of services, and risk financial insolvency without reimbursement.

We thank our members for their participation in the recent State Budget Impasse Survey that was organized by agencies, associations, and providers to collect data regarding both the current and projected impact on both for-profit and nonprofit financials, staffing, and ultimately those served. We will continue sharing information with all entities involved so that the survey results can be analyzed and disseminated to the media and legislative contacts most efficiently.

You can also view this article from Spotlight PA, which provides a good overview of where the PA General Assembly caucuses stand and what is causing the impasse to continue.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director.