Berks County Commissioners Call for State to End Budget Delays

From County of Berks

The Berks County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution urging the Governor and the Pennsylvania Legislature to fulfill their responsibility to taxpayers by passing a state budget. The resolution emphasizes that continued budget delays create significant challenges for counties like Berks and place an unfair financial burden on local taxpayers.

Unlike the Commonwealth, counties, school districts, and municipalities are legally required to pass their budgets on time. When the state fails to do the same, counties are often left to guess at funding levels, absorb unreimbursed costs, or even borrow money just to continue providing essential services. Severe delays in the past have pushed counties across Pennsylvania to the brink of financial insecurity, a risk that could return in 2026 if action is not taken.

“The state’s failure to pass an on-time budget is more than a procedural problem; it’s a direct threat to our ability to provide services that residents depend on every day,” said Christian Y. Leinbach, Chair of the Berks County Commissioners. “If counties can meet their deadline every year, then the Commonwealth should be able to as well. Our taxpayers deserve that level of responsibility.”

With the Pennsylvania House and Senate currently recessed, counties are left in limbo, forced to make long-term fiscal decisions without knowing what resources will be available.

“Every day of delay at the state level creates ripple effects for counties like Berks,” added Commissioner Michael Rivera. “It puts pressure on local governments, it creates unnecessary financial risk, and ultimately, it is the people of Berks County who pay the price. The Governor and Legislature need to stay in Harrisburg and get this budget done.”

“With my previous experience in the Pennsylvania legislature, I acknowledge the challenges that state government faces,” said Commissioner Dante Santoni. “But speaking in my current role as a Berks County Commissioner, it is past time for a state budget to be in place.”

The Commissioners’ resolution calls on state leaders to put aside partisan divisions, work collaboratively, and not adjourn until a balanced budget is finalized. The resolution was formally adopted by the Berks County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, Aug. 28.

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Source: bctv